The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Mr. Moses Thomas Sule, along with 14 former lawmakers, over allegations of money laundering and abuse of procurement laws. The arrests were carried out by operatives from the EFCC’s Makurdi Zonal Directorate on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.
The operation followed petitions from concerned citizens alleging misconduct and financial irregularities during the brief tenure of the former legislators. All the individuals arrested reportedly served for only six months in office but were involved in acts that allegedly violated the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.
According to findings by the anti-graft agency, the former lawmakers were allocated a fleet of luxury vehicles by the Plateau State Government for official use during their tenure. The total value of these vehicles is estimated at approximately ₦2.5 billion. However, upon their exit from office, the legislators allegedly refused to return the vehicles, despite repeated efforts by the government to recover them.
Among those arrested alongside the former Speaker are Gwottson Fom, Sani Abubakar, Jwe Philip Gwom, Thomas Dantong, Happiness Mathew Akawu, Cornelius Dotyok, and Agbalak Ibrahim. Others include Danjuma Azi, Fwangje Bala Ndat, Salome Tanimu Wanglet, Namba Rimuyat, Nimchak Rims, Ishaku Maren, and Paul Datugun.
The EFCC disclosed that despite clear rules regarding government property, the former lawmakers held onto the vehicles after their tenure expired. As a result of their refusal to return the vehicles, the Plateau State Government was forced to purchase another set of vehicles for the current members of the House of Assembly, costing an additional ₦2 billion.
This development has raised serious concerns over the management of public resources and adherence to legal procedures regarding government assets. The agency said the former legislators’ actions amounted not only to a breach of public trust but also to possible criminal violations under anti-money laundering and public procurement regulations.
The EFCC noted that the arrests were part of a broader investigation into mismanagement and corruption by public officials, particularly in relation to improper acquisition and retention of state assets. The agency added that further steps would be taken to recover the vehicles or their equivalent value.
The suspects are currently in custody and will be charged in court upon the conclusion of preliminary investigations. The EFCC stated that the charges would cover various offences, including conspiracy, abuse of office, money laundering, and violations of procurement laws.
No official statement has been released yet by the Plateau State Government or the House of Assembly in response to the arrests. However, the situation has drawn public attention in the state, with many calling for stricter enforcement of asset recovery rules and increased accountability for public office holders.
The EFCC reiterated its commitment to combating corruption and recovering misappropriated public funds and property. It urged citizens to continue reporting suspicious financial dealings involving public officials, emphasizing that transparency and accountability are vital to restoring public confidence in governance.
