EFCC Reopens Peter Odili’s N100bn Fraud Case, 14 Others

The anti-graft agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has reopened a N100bn fraud case against the former Governor of River State, Peter Odili, after 16 years.

The now reopened case of fraud allegation laid against Peter Odili was when the anti-graft agency had him questioned for allegedly moving public frauds worth N100bn into his private account.

To recall, in 2008, Peter Odili had reportedly obtained a perpetual injunction towards the end of his eight years in office. Despite the injunction that would leave him free of the allegation, Odili was probed into giving explanations on how such funds meant for the public got into his personal account and or were expended by his administration.

This financial impropriety was what led to the former governor’s presidential ticket hitting a wall of resistance under the PDP administration of Olusegun Obasanjo. The EFCC also arrested the then House of Assembly Speaker, Rotimi Amaechi into giving informations to help with investigating how a N100bn was expended inappropriately.

16 years later, the anti-graft agency now reopens the case of fraud involving the former Rivers State governor, Peter Odili. However, it is difficult to insinuate whether the reopened probe has any link with the current political crisis in the state because Odili is not the only former governor or past minister who is being investigated on a wider scale of fraud allegations.

Other Past Governors or Ministers on Fraud Allegations

Other past governors or ministers are Ayo Fayose Bello Matawallen (EFCC just concluded an investigation into an alleged N70b fraud. He is about to be charged in court)

Also, Kayode Fayemi was never charged to court unless the anti-graft agency wishes to do so now, and Timipre Sylvia was never in court for corruption. The first case when he was Gov was dismissed, except it is a fresh case.

Furthermore, Sule Lamido’s case was that of his children and not himself. He was never charged, while Danjuma Goje had a case that was withdrawn when he withdrew against Ahmed Lawan for the Senate Presidency, and Abdullahi Adamu’s case is that of a vendetta after leaving office in 2007.

While Sullivan Chime was successful in court, Theodore Oji remains still in court. The Wamakko case has yet to be filed, yet it was considered a frivolous petition as the petitioners were faceless and could not defend their petition.

Lastly, Rabiu Kwankwaso’s case is still at a preliminary stage and ongoing amidst fresh cases of Halima Shehu of NSIPA and Betta Edu.

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About The Author

Mayowa Durosinmi

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M. Durosinmi is a West Africa Weekly investigative reporter covering Politics, Human Rights, Health, and Security in West Africa and the Sahel Region

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