Over the past year, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has made strides in its anti-corruption efforts, targeting high-profile figures, recovering substantial funds, and addressing multiple sectors in need of reform. The EFCC announced that under the leadership of Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyede, they have charged four former state governors and two former federal ministers, holding them accountable for serious corruption allegations involving billions of Naira.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, represented by Director of Public Affairs Wilson Uwujaren, shared details on the cases involving these high-ranking officials. Former governors charged include Yahaya Bello of Kogi, Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara, Willie Obiano of Anambra, and Darius Ishaku of Taraba, all facing corruption charges with specific accusations related to misusing public funds. Notably, Bello faces charges linked to N190 billion, while Ishaku and a former state official are linked to N27 billion. Obiano and Ahmed are accused of money laundering and mismanagement of state funds totaling N14 billion.
Two former ministers, Saleh Mamman and Olu Agunloye, are also under investigation. They allegedly misappropriated funds earmarked for the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project, with sums of N33.8 billion and $6 billion at stake. Additionally, former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, is facing multiple cases, including a fraud charge of N5.8 billion.
He said; “The Commission under my watch secured 3,455 convictions across all categories of financial crimes and corruption. The monetary asset recoveries have been noteworthy as well, with N248,750,049,365.52 recovered in Naira. In the same year, the EFCC recorded $105,423,190.39 in foreign currencies, demonstrating a strong focus on asset recovery.”
“We have a comprehensive docket of cases that span various sectors of society, including the mining sector.
“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.
“On former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, when the investigation began, we provided updates on our progress. The Chairman mentioned monitoring over 40 accounts, which takes time to review thoroughly. These matters are ongoing.
“A senior government spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, stated that a report was submitted to the President, who acted on it by appointing a new Minister of Humanitarian Affairs. I respect this information and its source.”
