EFCC Moves Against Sirika, Yahaya Bello, Obiano, Two Other Former Govs, Ex-Ministers

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reported successful legal action against four former governors and two former ministers over the past year, under the leadership of Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyede.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, EFCC Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, outlined the agency’s significant achievements in recovering assets and combating fraud.

Among those charged are former governors Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Willie Obiano (Anambra), and Darius Ishaku (Taraba), who face accusations of misappropriating billions in state funds.

Bello’s case involves over N190 billion, while Ishaku, along with a former official, faces charges tied to N27 billion. Ahmed and his finance commissioner are accused of mismanaging N10 billion, and Obiano is charged with laundering and embezzling N4 billion.

The EFCC has also charged former ministers Saleh Mamman and Olu Agunloye with fund misappropriation connected to the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project, totaling N33.8 billion and $6 billion, respectively.

Hadi Sirika is similarly under investigation for alleged fraud involving N5.8 billion. Ongoing investigations also target Betta Edu, the recently dismissed Minister of Humanitarian Affairs.

The EFCC stated that it had reclaimed assets valued at N248.7 billion and achieved more than 35 convictions linked to currency hoarding over the past year.

Additionally, the agency successfully repatriated $180,300 and 53 vehicles to Canada and €5,100 to Spain. Fourteen properties were also returned to the Enugu State government.

Ola Olukoyede emphasized the EFCC’s commitment to transparency, noting that his tenure, which began on October 18, 2023, has resulted in 3,455 convictions across a spectrum of financial crimes.

He said commission has recovered significant monetary assets, totaling N248.75 billion and $105.4 million in foreign currency assets, underscoring its strong focus on asset recovery.

Commenting on challenges in prosecuting electoral offenses, Olukoyede highlighted the EFCC’s determination to pursue electoral integrity despite these hurdles.

EFCC said, “In Ola Olukoyede’s one year as EFCC Chairman, from October 18, 2023, to October 18, 2024, the Commission has charged four former governors—Yahaya Adoza Bello (Kogi), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Willie Obiano (Anambra), and Darius Dickson Ishaku (Taraba)—to court for alleged corruption.

“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.”

“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,” the EFCC added.