Last month, Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested the serving Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Ahmed Idris, in connection with diversion of funds and money laundering activities to the tune of N80 billion.
The said he was arrested in Kano State and was immediately moved to Abuja by night. EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed the arrest in a statement, he issued
“Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, May 16, 2022 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( Eighty Billion Naira 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.
“Mr Idris was arrested after failing to honour invitations by the EFCC to respond to issues connected to the fraudulent acts.”
It could be recalled that President Muhammed Buhari, appointed Ahmed Idris, Accountant-General on June 25, 2015. The position became vacant at the time after the former Accountant General, Jonah Otunla, left office on June 12, 2015.
President Buhari reappointed Idris for a second four-year term in June 2019, amid criticisms from labour groups who said the Accountant-General should retire after hitting 60 years.
Ahmed Idris, a native of Kano State, North-west Nigeria, was born on November 25, 1960, and was until his appointment in 2015 the Director of Finance and Accounts, Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development.
The AGF should have retired more than a year ago as a civil servant, “but when he clocked 60, the President’s men caused an extension.
Now see the result of an illegal extension. It was the same time the tenure of Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) was extended too by the President against public service rule.”
It could be recalled that, few years ago, probably 2017, when the case of a controversial recall of fugitive Abdulrasheed Maina to the Nigerian Federal Civil Service was allegedly masterminded by some close aides of President Muhammadu Buhari, caused chaos in the country.
It was said that Abdulrasheed Maina, was dismissed for absconding from office on February 21, 2013, and the EFCC only secured a court order for his arrest two years later, on October 27, 2015.
It was said that two days after the Head of Service forwarded the letter that emanated from the Ministry of Interior, in obedience to one that came from the Ministry of Justice; The FCSC at its meeting held on Wednesday 16th August, 2017 considered the letter” from the AGF and the recommendation of the Interior Ministry.
The FCSC according to reports, thereafter, approved the reinstatement of the officer into the service with effect from 21st February 2013 (being the date he was earlier dismissed from service).”
Then, the FCSC further approved for Abdulrasheed Maina, to sit for the next promotion examination to the Post of Director (Administration), SGL.17. And, this specked off further crises in the country.
We therefore urge the government to take decisive action on public servants both appointed and career officers who shortchange the good intension of the government by bending and distorting Public Service rules for selfish interest translating into criminal activities.
Furthermore, Public Servants should allow good conduct and morality to over-ride their conscience especially during their service life to the nation.
