List: High-profile Nigerians tainted with corruption, fraud allegations under Tinubu’s first year
By Adeyanju Esther
In the wake of Nigeria’s Democracy Day, the nation confronts a serious reality as allegations of corruption and fraud loom large over several high-profile individuals, including under the tenure of Tinubu’s first year.
These accusations strike at the heart of democratic ideals, challenging the integrity of Nigeria’s political elite and igniting fervent calls for accountability and reform.
While some allegations are ongoing investigations, others persist as unresolved questions, underscoring the urgent necessity for political decency and integrity. Recent events have left Nigerians astounded by accusations ranging from embezzlement of funds to mismanagement, highlighting vices that threaten the nation’s growth and development.
Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Governor Godwin Emefiele
Godwin Emefiele, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has been charged with fraud and corruption by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Emefiele, who served as CBN Governor from 2014 to 2023, was suspended by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023 and subsequently arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The EFCC has presented 26 charges against Emefiele, including abuse of office and irregular allocation of funds totaling $4.5 billion and £2.8 billion during his tenure as CBN Governor. Reports allege that the CBN under Emefiele’s leadership kept Nigerian funds without authorization and that billions of naira were stolen from the bank’s accounts.
Specific allegations include fraudulent account activities and unauthorized cash withdrawals, such as a withdrawal of $6.23 million (approximately N2.9 billion). Emefiele has been brought before the Federal Capital Territory Court in Abuja to face these charges, which have led to the official termination of his tenure as CBN Governor.
The charges against Emefiele are part of a broader effort to investigate his office and implement reforms in the financial sector. The case has sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability and transparency in Nigeria’s financial institutions.
Former Cross River Commissioner for Health, Betta Edu
Betta Edu, a former National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Cross River Commissioner for Health, has been charged with fraud and embezzlement by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Edu, who also served as National Chairman of the Nigeria Health Commission Forum, faces 26 charges, including abuse of office and unauthorised allocation of funds totaling $4.5 billion and £2.8 billion.
Specific allegations include the unauthorised transfer of N585 million meant for grants to vulnerable groups into a private account and the transfer of N650 million into a private account, leading to her suspension and subsequent detention.
Edu has denied any wrongdoing, claiming the allegations are baseless and orchestrated to undermine her ministry’s efforts.
Sadiya Umar-Farouk and Halima Shehu
The EFCC investigation has also implicated Edu’s predecessor, Sadiya Umar-Farouk, in a N37.1 billion fraud and Halima Shehu, the National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), in the suspicious transfer of N44 billion from NSIP accounts to private and corporate accounts.
The investigation is ongoing, with no one cleared of wrongdoing yet.
Despite the controversies, Edu maintains her innocence and commitment to transparency and accountability.
The case has sparked calls for accountability in Nigeria’s political sphere, highlighting the need for transparency and good governance.
Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello
Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, is currently embroiled in a legal battle facing allegations of corruption and money laundering.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed 19 criminal counts against him, involving the laundering of over N80 billion.
The charges include accusations of converting public funds to acquire properties in various locations, including Abuja.
The EFCC alleges that Bello, along with accomplices, used intermediaries and corporate entities to launder significant sums of money, including N950 million and N920 million used for property acquisitions in Abuja.
Despite efforts to block his arraignment, the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered Bello to appear in court to face the charges.
The court has criticised his attempts to evade court proceedings, and the EFCC has obtained a warrant for his arrest to ensure his arraignment.
Bello, a member of the All Progressives Congress and the youngest governor in Nigeria during his term, has denied any wrongdoing and has challenged the legal propriety of his arraignment.
However, the court has upheld the EFCC’s charges, and the case is ongoing. The allegations against Bello have sparked calls for accountability and transparency in Nigeria’s political sphere.
Senator Peter Nwaoboshi
The senator representing Delta North in the Nigerian Senate, Peter Nwaoboshi, was convicted by the Court of Appeal in Lagos on a two-count charge of fraud and money laundering on 1 July 2022.
Former Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje
Also, a Kano State High Court has granted an order for substituted service on the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Former Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, and others charged with bribery and misappropriation of public funds.
The defendants, including Ganduje, his wife, son, and four others, will be served through publication in two national newspapers. They face an eight-count charge of bribery, misappropriation, and division of public funds amounting to billions of naira.
The order was granted following an application by the counsel to the state government, Zahradeen Kofar-Mata, who represented the lead prosecution counsel, Ya’u Adamu. The case has been adjourned until July 11 for further hearing.
