The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken decisive legal action against four former governors and two ex-ministers over corruption allegations in the past year under Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyede’s leadership.
At a press conference in Abuja, EFCC Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, highlighted the agency’s successes in asset recovery and fraud prevention. The former governors charged include Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Willie Obiano (Anambra), and Darius Ishaku (Taraba), all accused of misappropriating billions in state funds. Bello, for instance, faces allegations involving over N190 billion, while Ishaku’s case involves N27 billion. Ahmed and his finance commissioner are accused of mismanaging N10 billion, and Obiano is alleged to have laundered N4 billion.
Former ministers Saleh Mamman and Olu Agunloye also face charges for alleged misappropriation related to the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project, totaling N33.8 billion and $6 billion. Additionally, Hadi Sirika is under investigation for suspected fraud involving N5.8 billion, and the recently dismissed Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, is under ongoing scrutiny.
EFCC has reported significant financial recoveries under Olukoyede’s tenure, totaling N248.75 billion and $105.4 million in foreign currencies, alongside asset reclamation including 14 properties returned to Enugu State. The agency has also repatriated $180,300 and 53 vehicles to Canada, and €5,100 to Spain.
With a focus on prosecuting financial crime, the EFCC achieved 3,455 convictions within the year. Olukoyede noted the agency’s commitment to tackling electoral corruption despite challenges in prosecuting electoral offenses, emphasizing the EFCC’s role in ensuring electoral integrity in recent elections.
Since assuming office on October 18, 2023, Olukoyede’s administration has been active in various sectors, including the mining sector, with broad-reaching anti-corruption efforts and ongoing vigilance against electoral offenses.
