The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has unearthed another alleged N90 billion fraud against the suspended Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), bring ging the total of the fraud charges against him to N170 billion.
According to insider sources, EFCC operatives made some shocking discoveries about some transactions in the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation.
Recall that News Band reported on May 16, how EFCC operatives arrested the serving Federal Accountant General in connection with diversion of funds and money laundering activities to the tune of N80 billion.
He was trailed to Kano where he was picked up and remained in custody but was later offered bail.
In a statement on May 16, the Head of Media and Publicity of EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, said the arrest of Idris followed his alleged refusal to honour the invitation.
The statement said: “Operatives of the EFCC, on May 16, arrested serving Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr. Ahmed Idris in connection with diversion of funds and money laundering activities to the tune of N80billion only.
“The commission’s verified intelligence showed that the AGF raked off the funds through bogus consultancies and other illegal activities using proxies, family members and close associates.
“The funds were laundered through real estate investments in Kano and Abuja.
“Idris was arrested after failing to honour invitations by the EFCC to respond to issues connected to the fraudulent acts.”
Consequently, the embattled AGF Idris was suspended on May to allow for investigation into the alleged crime.
The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed announced his suspension in a letter marked HMFBNP/AGF/SUSPENSION/5/2022, dated 18th May, 2022.
Mrs. Ahmed said the suspension became necessary “to allow for proper and unhindered investigation into the serious allegations in line with Public Service Rules 030406”.
In a new wave of discovery, Idris has been fingered in another N90 billion scam.
There were indications that Idris, who was arrested after he shunned 80 invitations by the EFCC, has engaged EFCC in a deal to refund some cash to government coffers and indict some powerful individuals as well.
According to a source, who spoke who spoke on condition of anonymity, so far, the EFCC chairman Abdulrasheed Bawa and his team have made substantial progress.
He revealed that the suspended AGF now will account for N170 billion based on preliminary investigation as the detectives are still digging into more activities in his office.
It was gathered that the AGF has also made available a list of government officials having to do with some financial activities in OAGF.
Idris reportedly opened up on some top government officials allegedly involved in some transactions.
The EFCC has grilled a Permanent Secretary in connection with some “deals in which he was implicated”.
The anti-graft agency, according to source, is also closing in on a minister who was fingered in the allegations against the suspended AGF.