N80bn fraud: EFCC releases suspended Accountant-General

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released the suspended Accountant-General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, who was earlier arrested over alleged N80 billion fraud.

The suspended AGF’s release was confirmed by the EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, on Thursday.

Uwujaren said Idris was released on bail from the anti-graft agency’s custody on Wednesday night.

It would be recalled that Idris was arrested by the anti-graft agency on May 16, 2022, in connection with the diversion of funds and money laundering activities to the tune of N80 billion.

Uwujaren had disclosed that the suspended Accountant-General was arrested after failing to honour invitations by the anti-graft agency to respond to issues connected to the fraudulent acts.

“The Commission’s verified intelligence showed that the AGF raked off the funds through bogus consultancies and other illegal activities using proxies, family members, and close associates.

“The funds were laundered through real estate investments in Kano and Abuja,” Uwujaren had stated in a statement made available to The Star.

Idris was subsequently suspended indefinitely by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed.

Ahmed announced the suspension of the AGF via a letter dated May 18, 2022.

The minister stated that the suspension was to allow for “proper and unhindered investigation” in line with public service rules.

Anamekwe Chukwunyere Nwabuoku was later appointed by the Federal Government to oversee the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, pending the outcome of the EFCC investigation of Idris.

The Star