The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday 16th May 2022 announced the arrest of the now-suspended Accountant-General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris over an alleged Eighty Billion Naira (N80,000,000, 000.00) only fraud.
Aside from saying Mr Idri was picked up in connection with alleged diversion of funds and money laundering activities to the tune of Eighty Billion Naira (N80,000,000,000.00) only and that he raked off the funds through bogus consultancies and other illegal activities using proxies, family members and close associates, the Commission did not give further details
However, it was scooped that Mr Idris’ investigation and subsequent arrest was instigated by a petition said to have been written by an uncle to a 16-year-old girl who was involved in an amorous relationship with the erstwhile chief accountant of the federation.
The ex-Accountant-General was alleged to have been lavishing money, gifts and houses on the young girl.
It was further alleged that Mr Idris, to demonstrate his undying love for the 16-year-old girl, gave her an open cheque to choose any property of her choice in Abuja for him to buy for her.
Following the receipt of the petition last year, the Commission reportedly kept Mr Idris on strict surveillance where it scooped more compelling cases of corruption and corrupt activities perpetuated by Mr Idris.
“What has been uncovered is monumental. Indeed, the Eighty Billion Naira (N80,000,000, 000.00) people say is huge is a child’s play compared to what has been unearthed in the last few days. At the appropriate time, the Commission will release details of its investigation to the public”, a source at the anti-graft agency told our correspondent.
The Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed, on Wednesday, informed Mr Idris of his suspension in a letter.
His suspension is without pay, Mrs Ahmed’s letter stated in the letter dated 18th May 2022.
“Following your recent arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations of diversion of funds and money laundering, I write to convey your suspension from work without pay effective 18th May 2022,” the letter read in part.
The suspension, Mrs Ahmed said, is in line with Public Service Rules to give room for proper and unhindered investigation.
