EFCC accused of suppressing evidence in billion-naira scandal

DDM News

A former Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Ahmed Idris, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of deliberately withholding key statements he made during their investigation into the alleged misappropriation of N109.5 billion in public funds.

This accusation was made during a trial-within-trial session at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, which is being presided over by Justice Yusuf Halilu.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the special hearing was necessitated by an objection raised by Idris’ legal counsel, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chris Uche.

The defense team challenged the admissibility of certain confessional statements submitted by the EFCC, claiming they were obtained under circumstances involving inducement and deception.

Idris testified that out of the 16 statements he made to EFCC investigators, only 13 were presented in court.

He emphasized that the missing three statements were crucial, as they revealed the roles of other government officials and agencies in the alleged fraudulent activities.

The case has attracted national attention due to the huge sum involved and the status of the individuals implicated.

Ahmed Idris is being prosecuted alongside Geoffrey Olusegun Akindele, Mohammed Kudu Usman, and Gezawa Commodity Market and Exchange Limited.

The defendants are facing a 14-count charge that includes allegations of theft, criminal breach of trust, and fraudulent diversion of public funds amounting to N109.5 billion.

According to the EFCC, Idris coordinated a sophisticated scheme involving fake consultancy services and shell companies to move government funds illegally.

These transactions, according to the prosecution, were carried out without following proper procedures or obtaining required budgetary approvals.

In court, Idris claimed that the three omitted statements dated June 10, June 27, and July 5, 2022 were given without legal counsel present.

He further alleged that EFCC officers dictated what he should write in those statements.

He insisted that at no point during the interrogation was his lawyer present, which he argued violates his legal rights.

Idris also stated that none of his statements were video recorded, as required for the proper documentation of confessions in such high-profile cases.

He maintained that the exclusion of those three statements was intentional, aimed at concealing the involvement of other powerful individuals in government.

Justice Yusuf Halilu, after listening to the testimony, adjourned the matter to July 17.

The adjournment is to allow the prosecution to cross-examine Idris and address the allegations of manipulation and procedural irregularities.

This trial has reignited public concern over the transparency and fairness of Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.

Some legal observers and civil society groups have expressed concern that selective evidence presentation could undermine the fight against corruption.

They argue that if suspects’ rights are violated or evidence is manipulated, the integrity of the judicial process may be compromised.

The outcome of the trial is expected to serve as a major litmus test for Nigeria’s legal system and anti-graft agencies.

Public attention remains fixed on the proceedings, as Nigerians await further revelations about the inner workings of public fund mismanagement.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook