The Nigerian anti-corruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has strongly denied a recent news report claiming it released a list of 58 former governors being probed for stealing a staggering N2.187 trillion over 25 years. This report, circulating in some media outlets, has been branded “false” and “misleading” by the EFCC.
Why It Matters
While the EFCC did clarify there is no master list, it is important to note that they are actively investigating some former governors for alleged corruption and misuse of public funds. One prominent case involves the former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, who faces 19 charges related to money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriating N80.2 billion. The EFCC alleges that Bello moved a massive sum from state accounts to pay his child’s school fees in advance, just before leaving office.
What They Are Saying
The agency, through its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, emphasized that the list is a complete fabrication intended to mislead the public for unknown reasons. They never issued such a list nor discussed investigating all ex-governors with any media outlet.
The EFCC urged the public to disregard this fabricated report and advised media outlets to always verify information with them directly to avoid spreading false and inaccurate news.
He said, “A sitting governor, because he knew he was leaving office, moved money directly from the government to Bureau de Change (and) used it to pay his child’s school fee in advance.
“Over $720,000 or thereabout, in anticipation that he was going to leave the Government House. In a poor state like Kogi? And you want me to close my eyes under the guise of ‘I’m being used’. Used by who? At this stage of my life? Used by who?
“I didn’t initiate the case; I inherited the case. I called for the case file and I said there are issues here.”
Bottom Line
This case highlights the ongoing fight against corruption within the Nigerian government, even at the highest levels. While the fabricated list of 58 ex-governors may be untrue, the EFCC’s active investigations against certain individuals demonstrate their commitment to tackling financial crimes.
