Date Published: 03/18/10

EFCC probes Bayelsa Govt over N500m fraud •Arrests Accountant-General, 2 others

THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has initiated a probe of the administration of the Bayelsa State governor, Chief Timiprye Silva over an alleged N500 million fraud, which has led to the arrest of three principal accounting officers of the state.

Those arrested in connection with the alleged fraud, on Wednesday, were the state Accountant General; Director of Finance, Ministry of Finance Incorporated and the Treasurer of the Government House, Yenagoa.

The commission’s spokesperson, Mr Femi Babafemi, confirmed the arrest of the trio, adding that they were arrested on Wednesday morning and had been moved to Abuja where they were currently facing interrogation.

The state finance commissioner was said to have escaped through the window of his house to evade arrest when the commission’s operatives reportedly moved in for his arrest.

Babafemi said he had not been declared wanted, though he was still needed to make statements on the alleged fraud.

The officials were alleged of being active participants in the movement of N500 million from government coffers to a private account about three weeks ago.

Reacting to the arrest, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Doifie Ola, said it was a routine exercise, adding that “I’m aware that they (the suspects) are on their way to Abuja for routine EFCC questioning”.

He declined comments on the alleged illegal transfer.
 
Courtesy Nigeria Tribune