N109 billion fraud: We’ve recovered over N30bn from suspended Accountant-General, Idris Ahmed – EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has disclosed that it has so far recovered over N30 billion out of the N109 billion allegedly siphoned by the suspended Accountant-General of the Federation, Idris Ahmed.

The Chairman of the Commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa, stated this while appearing at the Ministerial Media Briefing organised by the Presidential Communications Team at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Thursday.

The PUNCH had reported that Idris was nabbed by operatives of the EFCC on May 16, 2022, in connection with a series of frauds that was initially thought to be N84 billion.

Three days after his arrest, Idris was suspended by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, to enable him to face his probe.

Sources revealed to The PUNCH that during questioning, Idris mentioned names, companies, and a huge amount of money which is currently under probe.

Giving highlights of the Commission’s achievements from January to December 2022, Bawa gave other recoveries as N134,33,759,574.25, $121,769,076.30, £21,020.00, €156,925.00, ¥21,350.00, CFA300,000.00 among others.

He also revealed that over 3,615 convictions were recorded within the period, affirming that the administration is serious about its anti-corruption programme.

The EFCC boss announced that the nationwide auction of forfeited automobiles will be followed by the disposal of over 150 houses to interested buyers. Punch