*Hands over N387m recovered funds to Jigawa State govt
WorldStage– Operatives of the Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of Nigeria’s anti corruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), have arrested three suspected illegal gold miners in the Nigerian north eastern state of Borno.
They were arrested in Mallam Jakwa Town, Hawul Local Government Area of Borno State, following actionable intelligence on their illegal activities.
The suspects are Umar Muhammad, Modu Bamai Umar and Sani Samaila whose suspected illegal mining activities are said to be worsening insecurity and environmental degradation in the state.
Items found in their possession upon their arrest include a small gold measuring machine and mined gold.
They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
JIGAWA STATE
The Kano Zonal Directorate of the EFCC has handed over the sum of N387,483,488.00 (Three Hundred and Eighty-Seven Million, Four Hundred and Eighty-Three Thousand, Four Hundred and Eighty-Eight Naira), recovered from fraudulent actors to the Jigawa State Government in the north western region of the Nigeria.
The funds were presented to the Director of Treasury Operations of Jigawa State, Muhammad Haruna, in a brief ceremony held at the EFCC Kano Directorate office.
The recovery is the culmination of an investigation initiated following intelligence by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), flagging alleged misappropriation of public funds involving two individuals, Abdullahi Garba and Ayuba Sani.
Acting on the intelligence, operatives of the Commission launched a thorough investigation, during which a total sum of N387,483,488.00 was successfully recovered from the suspects.
Upon conclusion of the investigation, the duo were arraigned in court on charges related to misappropriation of public funds.
Subsequently, one of the suspects, Abdullahi Garba, was convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment after pleading guilty to the charge against him. The second suspect, Ayuba Sani, is currently standing trial.
While presenting the bank draft to the state government representative, the Acting Zonal Director of the Kano Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Friday S. Ebelo, reiterated the Commission’s unwavering dedication to justice.
“The EFCC,” Ebelo stated, “remains resolute in its mandate to investigate and ensure the recovery of proceeds of crime. We are committed to the delivery of justice to all victims of corruption, whether they are individuals or government institutions.
“This handover is a testament to our determination to ensure that funds meant for the development of the people are not diverted for personal use.”
Receiving the bank drafts on behalf of the Jigawa State Government, Haruna expressed profound gratitude to the Commission for its diligence, thoroughness and professionalism exhibited throughout the investigation.
“We deeply appreciate the EFCC for its efforts in recovering this substantial amount of money for the people of Jigawa State.This recovery demonstrates the importance of the anti-graft agency and its commitment to safeguarding public funds. The people of Jigawa are the ultimate beneficiaries of this recovery,” he said.
