The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has formally charged a former Kogi state governor and several associates with multiple offenses, including conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property. The case, filed under charge number CR/7781, alleges that the defendants illicitly acquired a substantial number of properties using stolen state funds.
Among the prime properties allegedly acquired by the former governor and his associates are several prime locations in Abuja, the Nigerian capital. These include a property at No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, valued at N950 million, No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II District, worth N100 million, and No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, which is valued at N920 million. Additionally, the defendants are accused of acquiring property on Block D Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, valued at N170 million, and another property on Block 18, Gwelo Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, valued at N60 million.
Other properties allegedly bought using embezzled state funds include luxury assets such as a hotel apartment community at Burj Khalifa in Dubai, worth approximately Five Million, Six Hundred and Ninety-Eight Thousand, Eight Hundred and Eighty-Eight Dirhams. The defendants are also charged with owning a property located at No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, valued at N310.4 million.
In addition to these real estate holdings, the defendants are accused of transferring substantial sums of money abroad, including $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank in the United States. Furthermore, the EFCC claims the defendants possessed unlawfully obtained funds amounting to N677.8 million from Bespoque Business Solution Limited.
The case sheds light on a broad pattern of alleged financial misconduct and mismanagement of public funds, highlighting the ongoing efforts of the EFCC to hold public officials accountable for corruption and financial crimes. The accused individuals now face serious charges, and the case is expected to have significant legal and political implications.
Gathered by: Onoro Promise Edesiri