EFCC Reopens Fraud Cases Against 13 Ex-Governors: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken decisive action by reopening fraud investigations against thirteen former governors and several ex-ministers. The total amount involved in these cases is staggering, exceeding N853.8bn.
The high-profile cases, currently under scrutiny by the anti-graft agency, entail no less than N772.2bn. Notably, the EFCC is delving into the alleged misappropriation of N81.6bn within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
This renewed investigation also revisits the infamous $2.2bn earmarked for arms procurement during the anti-terrorism campaign. Shockingly, the funds were purportedly diverted through money laundering, fund diversion, and misappropriation involving figures such as former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki, late media mogul Raymond Dokpesi, former Sokoto State governor Attahiru Bafarawa, and former Minister of State for Finance Bashir Yuguda.
Recalling the 2015 arrests following an indictment by a presidential committee, the individuals implicated include former Ekiti State governors Kayode Fayemi and Ayo Fayose, former Zamfara State governor Bello Matawalle, former Enugu State governors Chimaroke Nnamani and Sullivan Chime, among others.
Moreover, two former Ekiti State governors, Peter Odili, Theodore Orji, Danjuma Goje, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Abdullahi Adamu, Aliyu Wamako, Timipre Sylva, and Sule Lamido are also named.
In related developments, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede has initiated a thorough review of these cases. Upon assuming office, Olukoyede has demonstrated a commitment to impartiality, reappointing investigators to handle these probes without any bias based on the social or political status of the suspects.
A source reveals that Chairman Olukoyede has directed investigators not to treat anyone differently, emphasizing a fair approach, especially for politically exposed persons like former governors and ministers implicated in money laundering. This development underscores the EFCC’s determination to pursue justice without compromise, reflecting a renewed commitment to combating corruption at the highest levels of governance.
Just like the impact of Abacha Loot the build-up of corruption fraud has eaten so deep into the fabric of the Nigerian system is the root source of Nigeria’s underdevelopment and backwardness. Right from 1960 Till date Nigeria has suffered leadership problems and is often confronted with issues of Financial Fraud covered up by Administrative friendship, Sectional, Ethnic, and Religious relatives. This has kept us in this backward state.
At VOTP News we commend the Tinubus Administration for its recent commitment to handling corruption, financial fraud, and allegations. at VOTP News we want to specifically make a Plea to the Federal Government to Strengthen its agencies and institutions for the successful prosecution of those investigated and found guilty.
EFCC Reopens Fraud Cases Against 13 Ex-Governors
PREVIOUS CHARGES BY EFCC
The trial of Sambo Dasuki, accused of a $45,000 fraud, proceeded on November 8, 2021, before Justice S.O. Solebo at the Ikeja Special Offences Court. However, on May 3, 2023, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Malami, intervened and halted the trial of Dasuki’s former aide, taking over from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the case involving Sambo Dasuki and eight other co-defendants.
Raymond Dokpesi and his media company, DAAR Communications, were involved in a corruption case amounting to N2.1 billion. On October 11, 2021, the court directed Nigeria’s Anti-graft Agency, EFCC, to remove Dokpesi’s name from the watch list. The EFCC had prosecuted Dokpesi, presenting 14 witnesses in the case, which concluded on May 28, 2018. Additionally, on August 3, 2021, a federal high court ordered the EFCC to unfreeze Raymond Dokpesi’s account.
On August 1, 2018, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) suffered a setback as a Sokoto State High Court ruled against them in a N15 billion case involving the former governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, and two others. The court issued a verdict of discharge and acquittal for Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa and the co-accused individuals.
On November 30, 2015, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) apprehended a former Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda, and several others in connection with an alleged $2 billion financial misconduct. On June 2, 2023, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the former Governor of Ekiti State and ex-chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, denied the allegation of N4 billion financial impropriety.
On December 2, 2021, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) brought back former Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, and his company for a fresh arraignment in a money laundering case. etc.
EFCC Reopens Fraud Cases Against 13 Ex-Governors And Others
