EFCC Launches Investigation Into Ex-Governors And Ministers, Including Sirika And Bello

EFCC Launches Investigation Into Ex-Governors And Ministers, Including Sirika And BelloThe Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reported notable legal successes over the past year against four former governors and two former ministers under the leadership of Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyede. At a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, EFCC Director of Public Affairs Wilson Uwujaren highlighted the agency’s achievements in asset recovery and fraud prevention.

The charged former governors include Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Willie Obiano (Anambra), and Darius Ishaku (Taraba), all accused of misappropriating significant state funds. Bello is implicated in a case involving over N190 billion, while Ishaku faces charges related to N27 billion alongside a former official. Ahmed and his finance commissioner are accused of mishandling N10 billion, and Obiano is charged with laundering and embezzling N4 billion.

Additionally, former ministers Saleh Mamman and Olu Agunloye are charged with fund misappropriation linked to the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project, totaling N33.8 billion and $6 billion, respectively. Hadi Sirika is also under investigation for alleged fraud involving N5.8 billion, while inquiries continue into the actions of Betta Edu, the recently dismissed Minister of Humanitarian Affairs.

The EFCC reported the recovery of assets valued at N248.7 billion and over 35 convictions related to currency hoarding in the past year. The agency successfully repatriated $180,300 and 53 vehicles to Canada, as well as €5,100 to Spain, and returned fourteen properties to the Enugu State government.

Ola Olukoyede emphasized the EFCC’s commitment to transparency, stating that his tenure, starting October 18, 2023, has resulted in 3,455 convictions across various financial crimes. He noted that the agency has recovered a total of N248.75 billion and $105.4 million in foreign assets, showcasing its strong focus on asset recovery.

Addressing the challenges of prosecuting electoral offenses, Olukoyede reaffirmed the EFCC’s determination to uphold electoral integrity despite obstacles. The EFCC underscored that while it plays a key role in law enforcement, the prosecution of electoral offenses falls under the purview of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), highlighting the need for vigilance in addressing such cases.

For more information on this article and other related posts from Bushradiogist, please join our WhatsApp channel by clicking this link https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaUumOODTkK7AZL1Fw3o. For advertisement inquiries only, kindly send a message to 090 1907 0863 on WhatsApp.