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EFCC, ICPC Swoop On Delta, Bauchi

This Day
16 August 2007

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) have landed in Bauchi and Delta States in separate operations in continuation of their investigations of financial dealings in the two states under the last administration between 1999 and 2007.

THISDAY checks revealed that the operatives have visited some government agencies where they carted away some files while other agencies were served notices. Specifically, the operatives were said to have visited the office of the Secretary to the State Government.

ICPC is quizzing the Bauchi State former Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Alfa Ahmed, and three others for alleged diversion of N3.5 billion from the state's treasury. Others being quizzed are the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Alhaji Ibrahim Alhaji, the Accountant-General, Alhaji Bappa Azare and the Director of Finance, Alhaji Maigari Joji. Their invitation to the Headquarters of the Commission in Abuja was contained in a letter dated Aug. 7, and signed by one Frank Nanakumo, a Chief Superintendent of Investigation.

In Delta state other agencies said to have been visited by the anti-graft agency include the Ministry of Finance, state-owned media outfits notably the Pointer Newspapers and the Delta State Broadcasting Service (DBS).THISDAY Checks also revealed that the agency has served a notice on the State House of Assembly to make available its financial records between 1999 and 2007.

A source close to the Commission noted that the investigation was on-going. "We are not just coming to town for the first time. The investigation has been on for quite some time. The investigation is on-going", the source said.

It would be recalled that the Delta State House of Assembly last year passed a vote of confidence on the stewardship of the former Governor where it gave him a clean bill of health on his administration of the state. As a measure to project the transparent nature of his administration, the Ibori-led Government also launched what it called "Facts Behind the Figures." Recently, a London Court granted an interim order restraining Chief Ibori from interating with his assets there.

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