Eight former ministers who worked for President Muhammadu Buhari’s previous administration have reportedly received invitations from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the nation’s anti-corruption organisation.
These former ministers have reportedly been called in for questioning in relation to corruption allegations.
These senior government officials were sent invitation letters that specifically asked them to explain how the funds allotted to their respective ministries for specific projects during their terms had been used.
The letters were sent out before Abdulrasheed Bawa’s suspension as the chairman of the commission because the anti-graft agency’s investigations were already in progress.
Pauline Tallen, the former minister of women’s affairs who was invited last week in connection with an alleged N2 billion fraud, is reportedly among those who have been called. Allegations include saying that money from the African First Lady Peace Mission Project was diverted. Seven additional former ministers have also been extended invitations.
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It is important to note that the commission last month arrested and detained Sale Mamman, the former Minister of Power under President Buhari. For his alleged involvement in a N22 billion fraud involving power projects, he is currently under investigation.
Additionally, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, the previous Minister of Police Affairs, has been called to give an explanation for how the Police Trust Fund was handled. According to the allegations, there were irregularities in the purchase of reconditioned vehicles that were misrepresented as brand new for the Nigeria Police.
Minister Dingyadi said, when asked for comment, “Well, I’m not aware of the letter, I haven’t seen it. I’ll check with the office. Maybe they sent it to the office’, I said, pretending not to be listening.
The EFCC has also called Hadi Sirika, the former minister of aviation, and Abubakar Malami, the former minister of justice and attorney general of the federation, to give clarification on some matters relating to their terms in office.
