The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intensified its scrutiny into alleged money laundering cases involving 13 former governors and multiple ex-ministers, surpassing a staggering N853.8 billion in total. This renewed effort signifies a pivotal move in Nigeria’s battle against financial crimes.
According to reports from Punch, the implicated sum in cases involving the former state leaders and ministers amounts to at least N772.2 billion, with investigations extending to an alleged N81.6 billion embezzlement within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
The EFCC’s focus has also widened to a reported misappropriation of $2.2 billion through money laundering and fund diversion, predominantly within the defense sector. Individuals allegedly involved in mishandling these funds include former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki, late media mogul Raymond Dokpesi, former Sokoto State governor Attahiru Bafarawa, and ex-Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda, among others.
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The funds, initially intended for arms procurement to combat terrorism, are believed to have been laundered and misappropriated, leading to a comprehensive investigation.
Key figures embroiled in these cases include ex-governors Kayode Fayemi and Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State, Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State, Chimaroke Nnamani, and Sullivan Chime of Enugu State, among others. The investigations encompass allegations ranging from non-remittance of pension funds to campaign fraud and extensive money laundering.
Among those under investigation are Matawalle, currently serving as the Minister of Defence; Fayemi, former Minister of Solid Minerals Development; and Fayose, a two-term governor of Ekiti State. The charges vary from alleged money laundering to campaign fraud and misappropriation.
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As the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, spearheads a comprehensive review of these high-profile cases, the investigations demonstrate a commitment to upholding justice without prejudice to the suspects’ social or political standing. The renewed efforts underscore Nigeria’s determination to tackle corruption at all levels, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
