Connect with us

News

N109bn Fraud: How Suspended AGF Idris, Compromised TSA, GIFMIS, IPPIS, for Personal Gains

Published

3 years ago

on

AGF Idris with accomplices in court

 

Fresh facts have emerged on how former suspended Accountant-General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris compromised the Treasury Single Account , TSA, Government Integrated Financial Management Information System , GIFMIS, Integrated Payroll and Personnel information system , IPPIS, and carted away billions of naira belonging to the government.

Idris and his co-defendants: Godfrey Olusegun Akindele, Mohammed Kudu Usman are standing trial in a N109 billion fraud before Justice A. O. Adeyemi Ajayi of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, FCT, Maitama, Abuja.

At the resumed trial of the case on Thursday, July 28, 2022 , Chief Investigative Officer of the case and Prosecution Witness One , PW1, Chief Superintendent of the EFCC , CSE Hayatu Sulaiman Ahmed, while being led in evidence by the prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs SAN, told the court that the investigations by the EFCC showed that, Idris while in office, compromised key units under his care like the TSA, GIFMIS and IPPIS that led to loss of funds by the government. Idris allegedly used the funds in constructing properties like the Gezawa Exchange Limited, Gezawa Integrated Farms, and Kano City Mall.

“.. We had cause to invite several individuals who had transactions with the Gezawa Commodity and Exchange Limited and found one Baita Ibrahim Kura of B I Kura Ibrahim, a Bureau de Change, BDC, operator based in Kano. We invited him and cautioned him and he voluntarily wrote a statement, claiming he made several payments like N208 million into Gezawa Commodity Market with Jaiz bank”, he said.

The witness further told the court that Ibrahim also admitted to have paid the sum of N866 million to one Architect Mustapha Mukhtar of Marsc Construction Limited for the construction of Gezawa Commodity Market and Exchange limited.

“My Lord, investigation showed that, Ibrahim received United States dollars from the first defendant. We also found out that agitation from the nine oil producing states, regarding derivation from the excess crude account, was tabled before the Federal Account Allocation Committee, FAAC and the committee came up with a figure of about $2.2 billion as what was due to the nine oil producing states, and these amount was to be deducted over a 60 months period on quarterly basis”, he said.

The witness further told the court that 11.5% of this figure amounting to N44.7 billion was put aside as payments to some public officials to facilitate payments to the oil producing states.

“After the determination of this committee, my lord, some companies, Akindele and Co, a company owned by the second defendant, Godfrey Olusegun Akindele was presented under the guise of consultancy .

“My Lord, until recently, the second defendant, Akindele was a staff in the office of the AGF, and Technical Assistant to the first defendant. Investigation revealed that N84.39 billion was paid into Akindele’s bank accounts. According to the witness, another transaction occurred on February 12, 2021 with N 21billion paid into his account.

The witness further revealed that aside the payment of money that was made on February 12, 2021, other payments were made on May 6, 2021, and between July 28, 2021 and November 5, 2021 amounting to N94.39 billion.

Ahmed further told the court funds were shared to some groups, including the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, represented by one of its Commissioners, Peace Akomas, former Deputy Governor of Abia State, who allegedly collected N18.8 billion . He said the money was withdrawn by Akindele and converted to US dollars and handed over to Akomas.

“The second group is the AGF group and it got a total sum of N18.01 billion.

“The third group, the Commissioners of Finance in the nine oil producing states, received N21.4 billion. The money was withdrawn by Akindele, converted to US dollars and handed over to Akomas on behalf of the group.

“The fourth group is called the Yari group. This group received N17.15 billion. The entirety of the sum was transferred to the account of Fimex Professional Services on the instruction of the representative of this group: Abdulaziz Yari, former Zamfara state governor.

The remaining N8.9 billion naira was retained by the second defendant. Furthermore, N4.29 billion was converted to US dollars by Akindele as appreciation for the consultancy contract, and the balance of N4.6 billion was given to Akindele.

Ahmed confirmed to the court that all his disclosures were confirmed by the defendants in writing, in their statements admitting to have collected all the monies.

Also, properties purchased with the funds by the first and third defendants were traced to various locations in Abuja, Kano, and Minna, Niger state.

Earlier, Justice Ajayi admitted the defendants to bail on the terms earlier granted by the EFCC. One of the bail conditions is that, the defendants should not leave the jurisdiction of the court without the court’s permission, and their passports deposited with the court’s registrar and in no circumstance should any of the defendants apply for an alternative passport, as doing so, will revoke the bail terms. They should also depose to an affidavit to adhere to the bail conditions.

In the EFCC’s bail conditions, Idris was granted bail in the sum of N18 billion, and two sureties. One of the sureties should be a Permanent Secretary, and the other a Director in the Federal Civil Service with bond of N100,000,000 ( One Hundred Million Naira) each.

Akindele was admitted to bail in the sum of N20 billion and two sureties who must be Directors in the Federal Civil Service and Usman was granted bail in the sum of N200 million and two Directors in like sum.

The Judge thereafter adjourned the matter to August 10 and 11, 2022 for continuation of trial.

Visit our website: www.efcc.gov.ng

#

Related Topics:

News

Special Adviser on Cooperative Groups Congratulates Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on Leadership Awards in Education and Governance

Published

6 hours ago

on

April 10, 2025

By

Honorable Jamilu Abbas Special Adviser cooperative Groups

Special Adviser on Cooperative Groups Congratulates Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on Leadership Awards in Education and Governance

The Special Adviser on Cooperative Groups to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Honourable Jamilu Abbas, has extended heartfelt congratulations to the governor for receiving the esteemed Leadership Governor of the Year 2024 award. This recognition, bestowed by the prominent Leadership Newspaper, underscores Governor Yusuf’s commitment to transformative governance.

In a statement issued to newsmen, Honourable Jamilu Abbas lauded the governor’s achievements, describing the award as a testament to his dedication to implementing people-oriented policies. “Governor Yusuf’s recognition by a national daily like Leadership Newspaper is a clear indication that his administration is focused on improving the lives of the common man,” Abbas remarked.

Honourable Abbas further expressed his personal admiration for the governor’s accomplishments. “On behalf of myself and my family, I congratulate the people’s governor on this well-deserved award. It showcases that governance has firmly taken root in our state,” he stated.

Governor Yusuf’s accolades extend beyond this singular honor. He has also been celebrated by Vanguard Newspaper and Heritage Times Magazine, receiving titles such as Governor of the Year (Education) and African Governor of the Year (Good Governance). These recognitions collectively highlight his exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to progress.

 

#
Continue Reading

News

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf Named Leadership Governor of the Year 2024 for Education

Published

7 hours ago

on

April 10, 2025

By

 

 

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has been named Leadership Governor of the Year 2024 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the education sector.

The award was presented during the 17th Leadership Newspaper Awards held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The event celebrated notable Nigerians who have made significant impacts in various fields, including Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who was named Person of the Year 2024, and the Governor of Jigawa State, who also received a Governor of the Year award.

In a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the recognition was described as a validation of Governor Yusuf’s bold reforms in education, which have repositioned the sector in Kano State after years of neglect.

Governor Yusuf was particularly commended for allocating 31% of the state’s annual budget to education, surpassing the UNESCO benchmark, and for declaring a state of emergency on the sector.

His administration’s initiatives include massive school renovations, provision of learning materials, recruitment of teachers, and the launch of a comprehensive Education Recovery Plan.

Speaking after receiving the award, Governor Yusuf expressed gratitude to the organizers, describing the honor as unexpected and highly credible.

“We never imagined that our efforts would receive such national recognition. We did not pay for this award, we did not lobby for it — we were simply recognized for what we have achieved in Kano,” the Governor said.

He dedicated the award to vulnerable children across the state and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening reforms in education.

“This recognition has given us more encouragement to keep pushing for excellence. I thank the Leadership Newspaper management and the media for their continued support,” he added.

The event also marked the 20th anniversary of Leadership Newspaper, celebrating two decades of impactful journalism.

 

#
Continue Reading

News

AB Mahmoud, Kurawa urge devolution of powers for effective Justice system

Published

15 hours ago

on

April 10, 2025

By

AB Mahmud SAN

 

Former President of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) AB Mahmoud, Senior has advocated restructuring of institutions in the administration of justice system, essentially to devote powers to state government.

AB Mahmoud, senior advocate of Nigeria, who believed the concentration of judicial powers, “where all matters of interest are anchored in Abuja” is not justifiable in a complex system the country operates.

“There is need for restructuring of institutions to devote powers to state government. The Federal government can handle issues of terrorism, and other external burden. But there is no reason or justification where all matters of investigation are anchored from Abuja.

“If there is break down of law and order in a state, the government of that state should be allowed and held responsible to manage, because the Governor is elected by the people of the state”. AB Mahmoud said.

Mahmoud spoke while delivering papers on Challenges of Effective Administration of Criminal Justice System at a three day capacity building workshop for prosecutors in Kano, raised concerns on critical impediments in the administration of criminal justice system in Kano.

The senior lawyer cited the roles of security agencies entrusted with investigative powers, prosecutors and the court, held that only a symbiotic collaboration between the institutions can guarantee effectively administration of justice system in the country.

He however regretted the overbearing influence of police who are primarily entrusted to conduct case investigation and now taking over prosecution powers from the Ministry of Justice due to power overload at the central government. Mahmoud urged the police to rather focus energy on investigative skill through of forensic capacity building.

Besides, the senior lawyer challenged the prosecutors to remain firm on the bricks of ethics standard and professionalism while striving to rise above selfish interest of politicians in public prosecution.

Earlier,Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by Secretary to the State Government, Alh. Umar Faruq Ibrahim reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the administration of criminal justice in the state.

Governor Yusuf who declared the workshop open, described the capacity building sessions as “another significant step in our collective resolve and commitment to entrench an effective criminal justice administration process in our dear state.”

He emphasized the vital role of prosecutors in upholding justice, stating, “You are not just case managers, but guardians of fairness and protectors of public trust. Your work has a direct impact on how justice is delivered and how society functions.”

Governor Yusuf noted that the training was timely, aiming to sharpen the skills of prosecutors, deepen their knowledge, and equip them with modern tools and ethical frameworks aligned with global best practices. He commended the organizers Kurawa, Husseini & associates in collaboration with Kano state ministry of Justice for their initiative.

On his part, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Haruna Isa Dederi, highlighted the importance of capacity building for prosecutors in ensuring efficiency and accountability in the justice sector.

#

Continue Reading

Trending