The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), has intensified its anti-corruption campaign, targeting high-profile individuals such as former State governors, bank chiefs, and celebrities.
Recall that recently, controversial cross-dresser, Bobrisky, was sentenced to six months in jail for abusing the Naira, sparking debate over selective prosecution.
The Commission denied allegations of selectivity and vowed to investigate and prosecute new cases of Naira abuse. Also socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, was also recently arraigned for similar charges, raising questions about the Commission’s consistency.
Additionally, the EFCC is probing public figures involved in corruption, including former State governors such as Willie Obiano and Sadiyya Farouk, former ministers accused of embezzlement.
Notably, former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, who has been declared ‘wanted’ for alleged fraud, evaded arrest, leading to a public outcry.
EFCC sources hinted that the probe has opened a new vista in public sector corruption and the role of bank chiefs in plundering the treasury, and vowed to bring them to book.
According to them, banks have been discovered to be the conduit pipe through which public funds are siphoned. “Our probe has revealed the active accomplices of bank chiefs in perpetrating corruption in government. They are as culpable as the public officers we are investigating. Unlikely before, we are determined to ensure that anybody involved in one way or the other in corruption is brought to book”, the official, who pleaded anonymity, said.
Recall that earlier in January, the CEOs of Providus, Jaiz and few other banks were grilled by the Commission over their dealings with Farouq and Edu. The Commission has yet to make its findings public, but sources from the Commission hinted that some of the bank chiefs caught in the web may be facing trial soon.
