EFCC has begun to probe the looting spree in the Late Governor Akeredolu Administration’s final months.
NaijaOnPoint Nigeria reports that Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into a massive looting spree that allegedly occurred in the final six months of the Akeredolu administration in Ondo State.
This Nigeria news platform understands that the period in question coincided with the governor’s prolonged illness, which raised concerns about a potential leadership vacuum and abuse of power. The anti-graft agency is currently probing the looting of N60 billion through the alleged forgery of the deceased governor’s signature.
Recall that Governor Rotimi Akeredolu died in December last year, following a protracted illness. Shortly before he passed on, there were allegations that his signature was forged in a bid to perpetuate fraud.
Former officials of the defunct administration have been summoned and interrogated by the EFCC over the allegations.
Ondo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Dr. Olukayode Ajulo (SAN) confirmed that some former officials of the defunct administration have been summoned and interrogated by the EFCC.
He said the state government had received petitions implicating former government officials and associates allegedly involved in the misappropriation and signature forgery.
The source in EFCC said: “So far, our operatives are investigating alleged misappropriation of about N60billion. We have interrogated many former officials of the Ondo State Government. We will still invite more. Preliminary findings have indicated that some of them have issues to clarify.”
The source added: “A bend on the ongoing investigation is alleged forgery of a signature to withdraw cash from government accounts.
“Our operatives are scrutinizing all memos and approvals to ascertain if due process was followed. At the appropriate time, the EFCC will brief Nigerians.”
Ajulo, who confirmed the ongoing investigations against individuals and corporations, said the state government will not interfere in the ongoing probe of its past officials.
He maintained that one of the allegations being probed by the EFCC was the misappropriation and signature forgery to withdraw public funds.
Ajulo said: “The state government will not interfere with the operations of agencies such as the Police, EFCC, ICPC, and the Ondo State Public Complaint, Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Commission.
“Some petitions specifically implicate former government officials, alleging misappropriation and signature forgery during the tenure of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
“Various issues have emerged regarding alleged fraud committed using the name, approvals, and signatures of the late Governor Akeredolu by past and some present government officials.
“One particular focus of these petitions revolves around a youth empowerment programme involving artisans and market women, as well as the use of unauthorized agreements to defraud the government of Ondo State.
“The Ondo State Government operates based on laws and regulations, and entering into agreements with the government requires proper authorization and approval. When such authorization and approval are lacking, it raises serious concerns.”