EFCC prosecutes four ex-Govs, two ex-ministers, recovers N248bn, foreign assets

In the past year, Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has made significant strides under the leadership of Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyede, successfully prosecuting four former governors and two former ministers on corruption charges.

This announcement came during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, where Director of Public Affairs Wilson Uwujaren highlighted the agency’s achievements.

Among those facing charges are former governors Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Willie Obiano (Anambra), and Darius Ishaku (Taraba), with allegations involving billions of state funds. Bello’s charges center on over N190 billion, Ishaku on N27 billion, Ahmed on N10 billion, and Obiano on N4 billion.

Former ministers Saleh Mamman and Olu Agunloye are charged for alleged misappropriation of funds in the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project, while former Minister Hadi Sirika faces cases for alleged fraud involving N5.8 billion. Additionally, investigations continue into former Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu, with N30 billion recovered and 40 linked bank accounts scrutinized.

Olukoyede highlighted other key victories, including convictions for currency hoarding, voter fraud crackdowns, and combatting illegal mining. Asset recoveries totaled N248.7 billion, with international asset repatriation efforts returning $180,300 to Canada and €5,100 to Spain, and 14 properties restored to Enugu State.

“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.”