October 31, (THEWILL) – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered about N248,750,049,365.52 between October 18, 2023 and October 2024.
Presenting its scorecard before the media as part of events to mark the first year of its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, in office, Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, hinted that the EFCC recovered $105,423,190.39; £53,133.64; €172,547.10; T1,300.00 Indian Rupees; CAD $3,400.00 Canadian Dollars; ¥74,859:00 Chinese Yuan; AUS $ 740:00 Australian Dollars; 170:00 UAE Dirham; 73,000:00 Korean Won; CFA 7,821,375:00 and R 50:00 South Africa Rands.
Uwujaren said the commission had also charged four former governors, namely: Yahaya Adoza Bello (Kogi), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Willie Obiano (Anambra) and Darius Dickson Ishaku, (Taraba) to court for alleged corruption.
“Yahaya Bello: He is charged in two different courts, one at the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, before Justice Emeka Nwite on 19-count charges bordering on money laundering to the tune of N80, 246,470, 088.88. A different charge of Yahaya Bello alongside Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu is also before Justice Maryanne Anenih on 16-count charges bordering on criminal breach of trust to the tune of N110.4bn.
“Ishaku, the former governor of Taraba State and former permanent secretary, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the state, Bello Yero, are facing prosecution before Justice S. C Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, Abuja on a 15-count charge, bordering on criminal breach of trust, conspiracy and conversion of public funds in the state to the tune of N27, 000,000,000.00.
“Abdulfatah Ahmed, the former governor of Kwara State, alongside Ademola Banu, former commissioner of finance in the state, faces prosecution on a 12-count charge, bordering on money laundering and mismanagement of public funds to the tune of N10billion.
“Willie Obiano, former Anambra governor, was on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, arraigned before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja. He was arraigned on nine counts bordering on money laundering, diversion of funds, stealing, and corruption to the tune of N4 billion.
“Two former ministers of power, Saleh Mamman and Olu Agunloye, have been arrested and facing prosecution by the commission. While Mamman, the former Minister of Power between 2019 to 2021 is being prosecuted before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja on 12-count charges bordering on conspiracy to commit money laundering to the tune of N33,804,830,503.73.
“Agunloye, the Minister of Power in the Obasanjo government is being prosecuted on seven-count charges, bordering on official corruption and fraudulent award of Mambilla Power Project contract to the tune of $6 billion.
“Also, a former minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika is standing trial before two different judges – Justice S.B. Belgore of the FCT High Court, Gark, and Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the FCT High Court, Maitama.
“Sirika is being prosecuted alongside his brother, Ahmad Sirika, and two companies, Enginos Nigeria Limited and Samahah Integrated Investment Limited on 10 counts bordering on an alleged N5.8 billion fraud; while before Justice Oriji, he is facing six counts alongside Fatima Sirika, Jalal Hamma and Al Buraq Global Investment Limited for an alleged N2.8 billion fraud.
“Regarding the investigation into the allegations by Bobrisky and VeryDarkman, I am certain that the investigative process will conclude effectively. If any misconduct is confirmed, appropriate action will be taken. Throughout my years here, I have witnessed law enforcement personnel being held accountable for professional misconduct.
“On vote trading, the commission has done significant work in preventing both the buying and selling of votes in recent elections, especially in runoff elections. This effort aims to deter such behaviour, and I am aware that we have conducted several prosecutions when arrests were made.
“According to the law, it is the responsibility of INEC to prosecute electoral offences. However, we face challenges, and the message is that we must remain vigilant.
“We need to focus on addressing cases and charges against those involved in electoral offences.
“It’s important to note that different agencies have distinct mandates. While the EFCC handles law enforcement, other regulatory bodies have their responsibilities within the ICT ecosystem”, he said.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
