The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has revived money laundering cases against 13 former governors and several ex-ministers, with the amounts involved exceeding N853.8bn.
The reopened cases target prominent figures, including Rabiu Kwankwaso, Kayode Fayemi, Ayo Fayose, Bello Matawalle, Chimaroke Nnamani, and others.
According to the PUNCH, the total amount under investigation is not less than N772.2bn. Additionally, the EFCC is probing the alleged looting of N81.6bn in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
Among those being investigated is the Minister of Defence, Bello Matawalle, for alleged N70bn money laundering. Former Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi, is under investigation for an alleged N4bn fraud, while Fayose faces scrutiny for an alleged N6.9bn fraud.
Sources indicate that the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, is reviewing all high-profile cases, emphasizing that politically exposed persons will not receive preferential treatment. The cases cover a range of alleged offenses, including money laundering, fraud, and misappropriation.
The anti-graft agency is also investigating the diversion of $2.2bn meant for arms procurement, involving figures like Sambo Dasuki, Raymond Dokpesi, Attahiru Bafarawa, and Bashir Yuguda.
Responding to the development, Olu Agunloye and Sadiya Umar-Farouk, former ministers, are facing investigation over an alleged $6bn fraud on the Mambilla Power Project and an alleged N37.1bn fraud, respectively.
The EFCC has expressed its commitment to revisit and review all high-profile cases, regardless of the social or political status of the suspects.
The investigation extends to bank CEOs, civil servants, and contractors linked to the uncovered fraud in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
EFCC’s Acting Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, stated, “The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, has reviewed all the high-profile cases he inherited. The chairman assures you that this case, like others, will not be an exception. The case will be reviewed, and the chairman assures you that something will be done under the law, and no one is above the law.”
