Suspicious’ withdrawal of N189 billion from the Sokoto State Government account during his tenure has landed Senator Waziri Aminu Tambuwal in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) net.
The withdrawal was carried out incrementally for six years out of his eight-year tenure, according to EFCC sources.
The senator honoured the invitation of the anti-graft agency at about 11:30am in Abuja yesterday.
It was learnt that the interrogation commenced immediately, and he was slated to spend the night in custody.
The withdrawals were from three accounts: the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), the Government House Account and the Secretary to the State Government Account.
About five other suspects – cashiers and government officials, who have been identified by the agency – may testify against the ex-governor or stand trial with him.
But the African Democratic Congress (ADC) kicked against the move, saying EFCC should focus on corruption instead of “harassing” opposition figures.
The ex-governor, who contested on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential ticket in 2023 before controversially stepping down for the eventual candidate Atiku Abubakar, recently defected to the ADC.
A source in the EFCC said the withdrawals are in flagrant violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
“We have isolated all the allegations for Tambuwal. It is left to him to respond.”
The source said the accounts received a total cumulative inflow of N567,160,024,619.93, out of which N189,155,043,825.09 was illegally diverted.
An EFCC fact sheet states: “The EFCC carried out financial profiling of the Sokoto State Government.
“This profiling was aimed at identifying the state government’s accounts that may have been exposed to diversion, misappropriation of public funds and money laundering by government officials.
“Analysis of the state government’s activities from 1st of January, 2015 to August 31st, 2021 uncovered unusual transactions in the following accounts: Accountant General Sokoto FAAC, Secretary to the State Government, Permanent Secretary, Government House.
“Specifically, the above accounts received a total cumulative inflow of N567,160,024,619.93, out of which N189,155,043,825.09 was withdrawn in favour of government officials, individuals (suspected to be cashiers), companies and other groups/agencies.
“In light of the findings, it is assessed with a high degree of confidence that the named individuals (suspected to be cashiers) and identified government officials are involved in the diversion of public funds, misappropriation of state government funds and money laundering activities.
“The following are suggested: Investigation should commence on other state government accounts to identify other accounts that are prone to unwholesome acts of state officials.
“Investigate the named individuals and identified government officials to know the extent of their involvement.
“Investigate FAAC account payouts to private companies; Nagarta Microfinance Bank and Bilya Micro System,” the document said.
The EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, declined comment.
