EFCC discovers fresh N90bn fraud against Accountant-General Idris Ahmed, opens long chain of corruption

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has discovered a fresh N90bn fraud allegedly committed by the suspended Accountant-General of Federation, Mr Ahmed Idris, bringing the scope of fraud allegations him to N170bn.

Mr Ahmed Idris was arrested by the EFCC on the 16th of May 2022 over fraud allegations to the tune of N80,000,000,000. He was arrested in Kano after failing to honour the agency’s invitation.

Since his arrest, Mr Ahmed Idris has been in the custody of the EFCC answering questions, some which have led to the discovery of a fresh N90,000,000,000 fraud.

According to sources close to the situation, Idris Ahmed who is battling to secure his bail has exposed some top government officials involved with him in some transactions.

Last night, the EFCC stormed the Abuja residence of the former Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari to arrest him as one of the persons connected with some shady deals with the embattled Accountant-General.

The EFCC has also grilled a Permanent Secretary in connection with some “deals in which he was implicated”.

According to reports, the anti-graft agency was also closing in on a minister who was fingered in the allegations against the suspended Accountant-General.

It was learnt by The Nation that detectives of the EFCC have made startling discoveries about some transactions in the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF).

A new N90 billion scam has been uncovered as against the initial N80bn fraud for which the Accountant-General was arrested.

There were indications that the AGF had made a commitment to the EFCC to refund some cash to the coffers of the government.

A reliable source, who spoke in confidence with The Nation, said: “So far, the EFCC chairman Abdulrasheed Bawa and his team have made substantial progress.

“This is one of the biggest scandals that Bawa’s administration has uncovered.

“Based on preliminary investigation, the suspended AGF now will account for N170billion. Detectives are still digging more into his activities in office.

“Since his arrest on May 16th, he has made useful disclosures including some suspicious accounts and transactions,” the source disclosed.

It was also gathered that the Accountant General has also made available a list of government officials having to do with some financial activities in the Office of the Accountant General of Federation (OAGF).

The source added: “As part of his disclosures during the investigation, a Federal Permanent Secretary was invited and interrogated by the EFCC last week.

“The Permanent Secretary is presently on bail and his movement restricted to Abuja. The Permanent Secretary has made a useful statement to investigators. A minister was also implicated.

“We have to verify whether or not the links with the minister were real or maybe the suspect was just desperate to rope in others.”

The source who spoke at length gave insight into why Idris was trailed to Kano to effect his arrest.

He said; “From records, the suspended AGF was invited by the commission about 80 times but for reasons best known to him, he shunned EFCC’s request for interaction. He was just evasive.

“He was later trailed to Kano where he was picked up on May 16. He was still in custody as of yesterday but he has been offered bail.

“He needs to fulfil the conditions for bail and he has been battling to do so on Sunday.”

© IR