The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is back on the trail of 13 ex-governors and ministers, unraveling a staggering N772.2bn fraud.
In a determined effort, the agency is also delving into the suspected N81.6bn misappropriation within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
The alleged diversion of $2.2bn, earmarked for arms procurement, has brought figures like Sambo Dasuki, Raymond Dokpesi, Attahiru Bafarawa, and Bashir Yuguda under scrutiny.
The EFCC has contends that these funds intended for the fight against terrorism were instead laundered and misappropriated.
Former governors facing investigations include Kayode Fayemi, Ayo Fayose, Bello Matawalle, Chimaroke Nnamani, Sullivan Chime, Abdullahi Adamu, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Peter Odili, Theodore Orji, Danjuma Goje, Aliyu Wamako, Timipre Sylva, and Sule Lamido.
A source within the EFCC emphasized, “The chairman is reviewing all high profile cases, and he has ordered the investigators not to treat anyone differently, especially politically exposed persons, such as former governors and ministers, who were indicted for money laundering.”
The probe extends to current Minister of Defence, Bello Matawalle, accused of N70bn money laundering, and former Minister Kayode Fayemi, facing an alleged N4bn fraud.
Quest Times further reports that Fayose, a two-term governor, is also under scrutiny for an alleged N6.9bn fraud.
Nnamani faces allegations of a N5.3bn fraud, Chime for an alleged N450m campaign fraud, and Adamu for a suspected N15bn fraud.
Other investigations include Kwakwanso for non-remittance of N10bn pension fund, Orji for an alleged N551bn money laundering, and Odili for a suspected N100bn fraud.
The EFCC, led by Chairman Ola Olukoyede, is resolute in its pursuit of justice. In response to public concerns, Wilson Uwujaren, acting Director of Public Affairs, stated, “The EFCC Chairman has asked me to assure you that this case, like others, will not be an exception. The case will be reviewed, and the chairman assures you that something will be done under the law, and no one is above the law and no case shall be swept under the carpet.”
Moreover, the commission has initiated probes into former ministers Olu Agunloye and Sadiya Umar-Farouk, with Agunloye already arraigned over an alleged $6bn fraud on the Mambilla Power Project.
In light of recent protests, Uwujaren reassured the public, stating, “Rest assured that these cases will be revisited because the EFCC believes that no case should be swept under the carpet. If you have done something wrong and if our investigation is able to establish that you have a case, we will proceed with the matter.”
On May 18, 2023, the EFCC spokesperson, Osita Nwajah, disclosed ongoing investigations into Governor Matawalle, citing “monumental corruption, award of phantom contracts, and diversion of over N70bn.”
Revelations from contractors, alleging fund returns in U.S. dollars, have added complexity to the unfolding case.