EFCC Arrests Five Officials in Jigawa

JIGAWA, Sept 06, (THEWILL) – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Monday whisked away five officials of the Jigawa State Government following allegations of diversion of public funds to the tune of N15 billion naira.

The officials arrested include the Commissioner of Local Government, and the state Accountant General.

EFCC spokesman, Mr. Femi Babafemi confirmed the arrests to THEWILL in a chat adding that the anti-graft agency effected the arrests of the officials following a petition of embezzlement and fraud it received.

Mr. Babafemi stated that the "Commissioner of Local Government, Alhaji Salisu Mahmud; his Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Ado Ahmad; the state Accountant General, Alhaji Sani Ahmad Jahun; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Alhaji Adamu Mu'azu; and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Engineer Datti Ahmad respectively were taken away by our operatives for questioning."

The commission was unable to locate the Commissioner of Works, Engineer Baba S. Aliyu who according to the EFCC, is in hiding. Mr. Babafemi however assured that he would be apprehended by operatives.

The petitioner, Muhammad Ali Ringim was also sighted at the Police headquarters in Dutse, Jigawa State capital. He drew the attention of the agency to alleged contract inflation in various road projects, water supply and the construction of a new state secretariat.

Checks by THEWILL in Dutse showed that he was invited by the Police Command in Dutse to throw more light on his petition.