The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday arrested the Ahmed Idris, Accountant-General of the Federation, for alleged money laundering and diversion of public funds.
Mr Idris was reportedly intercepted in Kano by operatives of EFCC and was flown to Abuja, the nation’s capital, for interrogation.
The EFCC has for sometime now been investigating a case of diversion of at least N80 billion in public funds which was allegedly laundered through some bogus contracts.
The companies used in laundering the funds have allegedly been linked to family members and associates of the accountant-general, investigators said.
Our sources further said after progress was made in the investigation, Mr Idris was summoned repeatedly for interrogation but he failed to honour the invitations.
But confirming the arrest in a statement on Monday, the anti-graft agency said: “On Monday, May 16, 2022, operatives of the EFCC arrested serving Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Ahmed Idris in connection with diversion of funds and money laundering activities to the tune of N80 billion (Eighty Billion Naira) only.
“The Commission’s verified intelligence showed that the AGF raked off the funds through bogus consultancies and other illegal activities using proxies, family members and close associates.
“The funds were laundered through real estate investments in Kano and Abuja.
“Mr. Idris was arrested after failing to honour invitations by the EFCC to respond to issues connected to the fraudulent acts,”
We gathered that Idris is currently being grilled at the EFCC’s headquarters in Abuja.
