4 ex-governors, 2 ex-ministers charged as EFCC recovers N248bn, foreign assets

Tamarauemi Ebimini

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced the successful prosecution of four former governors and two former ministers over the past 12 months under the leadership of Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyede.

During a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Olukoyede, represented by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, highlighted the commission’s significant achievements in asset recovery and fraud prevention.

He stated that high-profile figures charged include former governors Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Willie Obiano (Anambra), and Darius Ishaku (Taraba) for serious allegations involving billions in state funds. Bello faces charges related to over N190 billion, Ishaku and a former official for N27 billion, Ahmed and his former finance commissioner for mismanagement of N10 billion, and Obiano for money laundering and theft of N4 billion.

He disclosed that the EFCC has also charged former ministers Saleh Mamman and Olu Agunloye for misappropriating funds from the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project (N33.8 billion and $6 billion, respectively). Hadi Sirika faces two cases, including fraud involving N5.8 billion.

He explained that the investigation continues into Betta Edu, the sacked Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, for alleged misconduct, with N30 billion recovered and 40 linked bank accounts under scrutiny.

Olukoyede emphasized that the EFCC is tackling illegal vote trading and has pursued individuals involved in vote-buying during recent elections.

Regarding social media influencer Idris Okuneye also known as Bobrisky, the EFCC stated it will not tolerate corruption within its ranks after allegations of bribery to drop money laundering charges against the cross-dresser.

Olukoyede added that the agency has made significant progress in combating illegal mining, leading to arrests and investigations.

He explained that in the past year, the EFCC reclaimed assets worth N248.7 billion and has made strides against currency hoarding, achieving over 35 convictions.

According to him, the EFCC also focused on asset repatriation, returning $180,300 and 53 vehicles to Canada and €5,100 to Spain. Domestically, 14 properties were returned to the Enugu State government.

The EFCC chairman reiterated that the agency remains committed to transparency and accountability in combating corruption in Nigeria.