EFCC returns N387m recovered funds to Jigawa govt

The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over N387,483,488 recovered from fraud suspects to the Jigawa State Government.

The funds were presented on Tuesday at the EFCC’s Kano office to the state’s Director of Treasury Operations, Muhammad Haruna.

The recovery followed an investigation launched after intelligence from the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) flagged the alleged misappropriation of public funds involving two suspects, Abdullahi Garba and Ayuba Sani.

EFCC operatives subsequently traced and recovered the full amount during the course of their investigation. Both suspects were later arraigned in court on charges related to the diversion of public funds.

One of the defendants, Abdullahi Garba, was convicted and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment after pleading guilty, while the second suspect, Ayuba Sani, is still standing trial.

Speaking during the handover, Acting Zonal Director of the Kano Directorate, Friday S. Ebelo, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to recovering proceeds of crime and ensuring justice.

He noted that the recovery underscores the EFCC’s determination to prevent the diversion of funds meant for public development.

In his remarks, Haruna commended the anti-graft agency for its professionalism and diligence, stating that the recovered funds would ultimately benefit the people of Jigawa State.