The Human & Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) has written the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to as a matter of urgency commence criminal prosecution against all accomplices in the N109 billion fraud involving the Accountant-General of the Federation, Idris Ahmed.
In a letter signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, and addressed to Executive Chairman of EFCC, Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa, the anti-corruption group, anchored its request on the revelation made by the first prosecution witness, Hayatudeen Ahmed, an operative of EFCC who investigated the allegations against the defendants.
Suraju said Ahmed informed the Court amongst others that some figures amounting to N94.39 billion was paid into the second defendant’s bank account.
The HEDA chairman said Ahmed testified that the second defendant allegedly distributed the money between a former Deputy Governor of Abia State and a Commissioner with the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) who was given N18.8 billion.
Suraju said Ahmed also testified that the Commissioners of Finance in the 9 oil-producing states were given N21.4 billion amongst others.
He said it was noteworthy that the monies were converted to US dollars before it was handed over to the beneficiaries.
HEDA said: “We urge EFCC to commence deeper investigations and criminal prosecution of all Nine (9) Commissioners of finance in the nine oil producing states in Nigeria and other actors involved in the alleged N109 billion fraud and conspiracy perpetrated by the suspended Accountant-General of the Federation; Mr Idris Ahmed.
“These monies were meant to alleviate the sufferings, pains, environmental hazards and poverty of the oil-producing states but brazenly diverted by those entrusted to represent their interests. This singular action has impoverished the Nigerian citizens in those areas at this critical period. These sadists should never be allowed to go scot-free.”
Suraju reiterated HEDA’s commitment to stamp out corruption, promote good governance across board, ensure sound administration and prudent management of public resources for the benefit of every Nigerian in line with its mandate.
