EFCC uncovers another N90b ‘fraud’ allegedly committed by suspended Accountant-General

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has uncovered another N90b ‘fraud’ allegedly committed by suspended Accountant-General, Ahmed Idris, bringing the total fraud carried out to N170billion. 

 The Nation reported that Idris who was battling for bail last night, opened up on some top government officials allegedly involved in some transactions. 

 A Permanent Secretary was also grilled by the EFCC in connection with some “deals in which he was implicated”.

 It was also learnt that the anti-graft agency is closing in on a minister who was fingered in the allegations against the suspended AGF. 

 Idris who was arrested after he shunned 80 invitations by the EFCC, has also reportedly made a commitment to the EFCC to refund some cash to the coffers of the government. 

 A source told the publication; 

 “So far, the EFCC chairman Abdulrasheed Bawa and his team have made substantial progress. “This is one of the biggest scandals that Bawa’s administration has uncovered. 

 “Based on preliminary investigation, the suspended AGF now will account for N170billion. Detectives are still digging more into his activities in office. 

 “Since his arrest on May 16th, he has made useful disclosures including some suspicious accounts and transactions.”

 The suspended Accountant-General has also reportedly made available a list of government officials who had financial activities with his office. 

 The source added; 

 “As part of his disclosures during the investigation, a Federal Permanent Secretary was invited and interrogated by the EFCC last week.

 “The Permanent Secretary is presently on bail and his movement restricted to Abuja. The Permanent Secretary has made a useful statement to investigators. “A minister was also implicated. 

 “We have to verify whether or not the links with the minister were real or maybe the suspect was just desperate to rope in others.”

 Also giving an insight on why Idris was trailed to Kano to effect his arrest, the source said;

 “From records, the suspended AGF was invited by the commission about 80 times but for reasons best known to him, he shunned EFCC’s request for interaction. He was just evasive. 

 “He was later trailed to Kano where he was picked up on May 16. He was still in custody as of yesterday but he has been offered bail. 

 “He needs to fulfil the conditions for bail and he has been battling to do so on Sunday.”