EFCC announces recovery of over N248 billion as 4 ex–Governors, 2 former Ministers face prosecution
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced the recovery of N248,750,049,365.52 during the first year of Chairman Ola Olukoyede’s leadership, from October 18, 2023, to October 18, 2024.
In addition to this significant sum, the agency reported recovering various foreign currencies, including $105,423,190.39, £53,133.64, and €172,547.10, among others.
This was disclosed at a press briefing marking Olukoyede’s first year in office, where EFCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, also noted that the commission has initiated legal proceedings against four former governors for corruption.
The former governors facing charges include Yahaya Adoza Bello of Kogi State, Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara, Willie Obiano of Anambra, and Darius Dickson Ishaku of Taraba.
Bello is particularly notable for being charged in two separate courts. In one case, he faces a 19-count charge related to money laundering amounting to N80,246,470,088.88 at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
In another case, he, along with Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, is being tried for criminal breach of trust concerning N110.4 billion.
Ishaku and a former permanent secretary, Bello Yero, are being prosecuted for a 15-count charge involving criminal breach of trust and conversion of public funds totaling N27 billion.
Meanwhile, former Kwara Governor Ahmed is facing a 12-count charge related to money laundering and mismanagement of N10 billion in public funds.
Former Governor Obiano was arraigned on January 24, 2024, on nine counts of money laundering and corruption, amounting to N4 billion.
Additionally, the EFCC has arrested two former Ministers of Power. Saleh Mamman is facing 12 counts of conspiracy to commit money laundering totaling N33,804,830,503.73, while Olu Agunloye is being prosecuted for official corruption linked to the Mambilla Power Project, with allegations involving $6 billion.
Former Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika is also under trial for two separate cases, one involving alleged fraud of N5.8 billion alongside his brother and two companies, and another case of N2.8 billion fraud with additional accomplices.
The EFCC’s aggressive approach under Olukoyede’s leadership reflects its commitment to combating corruption and enhancing accountability in Nigeria.
