Alleged N1.6bn fraud: EFCC grills, detains ex-Governor Igbinedion

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has grilled and detained a former governor of Edo State, Lucky Igbinedion, over alleged criminal diversion of public funds to the tune of N1.6 billion.

It was learnt that the ex-governor was grilled by detectives at EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja on Thursday.

The former governor reportedly arrived the commission’s headquarters at about 2p.m. and was still under interrogation as at 11p.m.

Igbinedion, who left office as governor in 2007, was prosecuted by the EFCC and pleaded for bargain.

However, it was gathered that the new investigation is based on fresh evidence that the former governor diverted a loan obtained by the Edo State government to settle the financial indebtedness of a company in which he was said to have an interest.

EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed Igbinedion’s invitation but declined further comment.

After serving as the governor of the Big Heart State from 1999 to 2007, Igbinedion was convicted for embezzling N2.9 billion belong to the state in December 2008.

However, a plea bargain agreement he entered into with the EFCC, reduced the 191 corruption charges to only one count to which Igbinedion pleaded guilty.

In exchange for his guilty plea, the Federal High Court in Enugu sentenced him to six months’ imprisonment with an option of N3.5 million fine.