Hours after being let off by the court, the EFCC has re-arrested the former Assistant Director of the Police Pension Board. He got a slap on the wrist when he was let off the hook with a N750,000 fine for stealing N32.8 Billion.
The fine had triggered outrage as Nigerians on the streets and social media, saw it as an encouragement for public officials to steal public funds.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC had expressed reservation about the ruling of an FCT High Court, Abuja which handed a six year jail term with the option of N750, 000 fine to John Yakubu Yusufu, one of the six persons standing trial in the N32.8billion Police Pension scam. Justice Mohammed Talba convicted and sentenced Yusufu to two years imprisonment with the option of N250, 000 fine on three of an amended 20-count charge.
The Commission said the option of fine runs contrary to the understanding between the prosecution and the defence wherein the convict consented to a custodial sentence with the forfeiture of all assets and money that are proceed of the crime. The agreement was duly communicated to his lordship.
Yusuf who had pleaded guilty to charges of embezzling about N 23 billion that should have been used in paying the pension of retired police officers was given an option of fine and after the payment of the N 750,000, he was allowed to go.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission however arrested him on Tuesday. Wilson Uwujaren, spokesman of the EFCC confirmed the arrest and disclosed that there were other pending charges against him and that he might be arraigned in court very soon.