Corruption: EFCC Declares War On Ex-Govs

• EFCC Arrests Ohakim, Grills Lamido, Tightens Noose On Chime

These, indeed, are troubled times for Nigeria’s former state governors, as there seem no more hiding place, with a President that has sworn to “kill corruption” in the country, in the saddle.

EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde

Barely 48 hours after playing host to 74-year old immediate past governor of Ebonyi State, Martin Elechi, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) may have further rediscovered its venom. On Thursday arrested ex Imo governor, Ikedi Ohakim.

Ohakim, who was arrested and brought to the EFCC headquarters at about 10am, was still with the commission as at 6p.m., responding to questions from operatives.

The ex-Imo Governor was however not alone on Thursday, as his former colleague and immediate past Governor of Jigawa State and founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sule Lamido, came to honour an invitation.

Lamido was grilled by operatives over the way he managed the resources of his state during his eight-year tenure.

The Spokesman of the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren confirmed Ohakim’s arrest to Daily Independent in Abuja, yesterday.

According to him, “I do not know the issues involved, but what I know is that the former governor has been picked in connection with the way and manner he managed the resources of Imo state when he held sway as governor of the state.”

Daily Independent findings show that Lamido is being questioned about issues relating to bribery and money laundering.

Ohakim was however released at about 6.30pm on Thursday, while Lamido was still at the EFCC headquarters. It was not clear whether he would be released before close of day.

Meanwhile, there is also fresh trouble lurking around former Enugu State Governor, Sullivan Chime, following two petitions filed against him and his former Chief of Staff, Mrs. Ifeoma Nwobodo, at the EFCC.

The petitions, our correspondent learnt, were filed by former National Auditor of the PDP, Ray Nnaji.

Chime had survived a plot by 15 members of the House of Assembly to impeach him in the twilight of his administration.

But, the anti-corruption agency early this month, notified Nnaji through a letter, that investigation has started on his petition against Mrs. Nwobodo.

The letter dated June 3, 2015, was signed by the Head, Economic Governance of the Commission, Olufunke Adetayo-Ogunbode, was titled: “Investigation Activities, Re: Petition Against Chief (Mrs) Ifeoma Nwobodo for Misappropriation of Public Funds, Self Enrichment, Breach of Code of Conduct Act and Other Related Offence While in Office As Chief of Staff Enugu State.”

A copy of the letter obtained by our correspondent reads: “This is to acknowledge receipt of your petition, with the above caption and to inform you that investigation into the case has commenced.

“In the light of the above, you are kindly requested to be interviewed by the undersigned through Mr Bashir Dalhatu on Monday, 15th June, 2015 at the Commission’s Headquarters, Block C, No. 5 Fomella Street, Off Ademola Adetokumbo Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja by 9.am.”

Nnaji who confirmed the appointment with the EFCC in an interview, told our correspondent, however that he could not make it as the date coincided with two of his civil cases before the Federal High Court Umuahia.

Nnaji said that he wrote to the EFCC, requesting for a shift in the date of the interview to any date between July 6, 9, 20 and 27, 2015.

The former PDP Auditor filed an ex-parte motion before the Federal High Court Enugu, seeking an order of Mandamus to compel EFCC to investigate Chime and three others with respect to the activities of their offices and affairs in Enugu State from June 2007 to May 2015 with a view to prosecuting them after investigation.

Nnaji had last month issued a two weeks ultimatum to the anti-graft agency to investigate Chime for misappropriation of public funds, forgery and related offences.

Corruption: EFCC Declares War On Ex-Govs