•Says focus now on banks

By Lanre Adewole


A serving Nigerian governor has allegedly withdrawn N60billion from his state’s purse.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said that he has lifted about N60 billion cash from state coffers in about his six years in office.

The governor remains unnamed and his state, partially identified as domiciling in the North Central of the country.

In the latest edition of its in-house magazine named “EFCC Alert”, the agency’s czar, Abdulrasheed Bawa, was quoted as saying that Nigerians would soon hear more, about the developing sleaze story.

Bawa’s interview, originally given to TVC, was published under the “Setting the records straight” column of the monthly e-magazine, by the agency’s media unit.

He said, “Very soon, Nigerians are going to see some of the things that we are doing. I can tell you for free that the new Department of Intelligence that we have created is working wonders. They have come up with a lot of intelligence. 

“In one of them, a governor in a North-Central state within the last six years (one individual) has withdrawn over N60 billion in cash.

“We are looking at all of that, and I assure you that at the end of all of our investigations, Nigerians are going to be briefed of what we are doing behind the scene on cybercrime, politically-exposed persons, as well as engaging government agencies to ensure that we have better processes and procedures on how to do government business.

“We are not setting out to be engaging with people on the pages of newspapers or press conferences. We are working hard trying to see what we can do behind the scenes [to eradicate corruption].”

Bawa also disclosed that contrary to widely-held opinion that alleged corruption cases against former governors, are marooned, they, according to him, are being actively-pursued and investigation reports would be out soon.

“I can assure you that we are working [on them]. We don’t want to talk about matters that are under investigation. Yes, we invited a former governor [Lucky Igbinedion] for interrogation. He was with us for two days and he has been released; investigation is ongoing, but we are being careful and cautious, so we won’t be accused of engaging in a media trial,” he said.

Starting with those who served between 1999 and 2007, more than 50 former and serving governors are believed to be under alleged corruption investigation.

Five former governors have since been convicted, with higher courts overturning the sentencing of two, former Abia governor, Orji Kalu and Bala Ngilari, who briefly ran Adamawa State.


The commission is pursuing a fresh judicial approval to re-prosecute Kalu.

Two former governors are currently serving jail terms.

Former Plateau State governor, serving senator, Joshua Dariye and his Taraba State counterpart, former Governor Jolly Nyame.

On the celebrated conviction of the former boss of the federally-controlled Pension Scheme, Abdulrasheed Maina and his son, Faisal, the anti-graft agency leadership says its focus is now on banks, deemed complicit in the saga.

Bawa was quoted saying, “We are going to implement the pronouncement [of the Court] to the letter. The banks are complicit and there are some issues raised there and we are looking at that already. Anything that has to do with judgement of the Court has to be complied with in total. And so, the banks are involved, so we are going to go after them as well.

“We are very happy that we secured the conviction. And of course the restitution to the government. We still have another case that is ongoing. We also have civil forfeiture cases on some of these properties. So if you look at the big picture, I think we are good to go.


“The issue of pension fraud is something that is mind-boggling and we are looking at that. We recently held a sensitisation programme titled, “Eradication of Pension Fraud in Nigeria”. So we are working to ensure that we have sanity within the system.”

https://tribuneonlineng.com/serving-governor-withdrew-n60-billion-cash-in-six-years-%e2%80%95-efcc/

Thie must be the governor who was Abacha's chief money laundering man from Kebbi state

That younger governor in the NC

ERockson:
That younger governor in the NC

You mean our incoming president

Too bad

Government account is not a private account, so NOBODY should be able to withdraw cash from there. The legislators should do their job and make this law. If anyone works for Government, the person should be paid through his or her bank account

Like he takes 10 Billion naira per year. Orishirishi


DJ please play me One One Billion by Chief Onyenze Nwa Amobi

North Central states.

Benue.
Kogi.
Kwara.
Nasarawa.
Niger.
Plateau.

which one?

blackmantis:
North Central states.

Benue.
Kogi.
Kwara.
Nasarawa.
Niger.
Plateau.

which one?

Theo e that wants to become president

And is an APC governor o, this regime is even worst than Abacha's own. The looting is just too much for my liking. Abeg lets continue our kissing jor.

These are obscene figures..
But why must EFCC wait for the crime to be perpetuated fully before their so called investigations begin, or can't they be more proactive? These monies weren't moved in a fell swoop so why must the commission await the politician to rob the state blind before taking action?
.. I feel the commission is somewhat complicit in the sleaze.

Yahaya Bello or Ortom. Two very corrupt and useless governors from the North central.

Na APC state

It's obviously that young one in the confluence State that wants to become President.. he has looted the state treasury dry in preparation for his presidential campaigns

Mega cashout
It shall not be well with the current rulers we have in the North
The only Nigerian politician of good morals we ever had in Nigeria was Umaru Musa Yar'adua
May Allah have mercy on him

Bawa the ekuke come and see ooo

Mention their names or stfu

Yet na Yahoo Bois bi efcc problem.
How many of the governor Dem Don convict..
Name them
Shame them
Take them to court
Or shut up

The Serving Govt no get name abi u people want to start ur media trial again...

Always trying to look for something to gt us busy....

Nonsense, he should mention the name of the governor or shut his mouth up.

Hmmmm

Mention its name

Go fvck yourself. If you can't mention names, you are useless to this nation.

Very good at chasing defenseless citizen, but when confronted with real financial fraudsters, you cower in fear.

Useless cowards.

Interesting how no one is talking about Nigerian banking sector in all of these corruption cases. They've failed in this aspect.

When did kebbi becomes North Central Mr joystick

SweetJoystick:
Thie must be the governor who was Abacha's chief money laundering man from Kebbi state

Any governor that will steal this humongous amount in a bad economy like this is TOO WICKED

They keep shouting buhari this buhari that, while celebrating with their real oppressors. Smh

So, why is the governor free

Basically, in order to prosecute a governor, he has to be impeached...and most state houses of assembly don't want to impeach such governors.

Also, governors are masters of getting emergency court injunctions to stop their being prosecuted.

The problem is, most people don't want to see their favourite politican being prosecuted. When EFCC came for James Ibori, hundreds of thousands of people formed a human shield and obstructed EFCC from doing their job. It took the UK to prosecute him.

Nigerians aren't ready to fight corruption. Use it to bring the other side down, yes...actually fight it, no.

inoki247:
The Serving Govt no get name abi u people want to start ur media trial again...

Always trying to look for something to gt us busy....

You don't like truth. Anything that is not in line with your preconceived bias is a problem to you. Now instead of directing your anger to the looter, it's the person fighting corruption that is your problem. Smh

blackmantis:
North Central states.

Benue.
Kogi.
Kwara.
Nasarawa.
Niger.
Plateau.

which one?

Ortom

princepee:
Yet na Yahoo Bois bi efcc problem.
How many of the governor Dem Don convict..
Name them
Shame them
Take them to court
Or shut up

Yahoo is another evil kettle of fish. Pls don't go there