Reporters have learned that Abdulfattah Ahmed, the immediate former governor of Kwara State, would be charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday for allegedly committing a N10 billion scam.
The former governor would be brought before the Federal High Court in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, according to reliable sources within the anti-graft agency.
The source informed our correspondent, “He is going to be arraigned for diversion of funds, amounting to N10bn, at the Federal High Court in Ilorin on Friday.”
Ever since he accepted an invitation to be questioned on Monday, the former governor has been under arrest by the EFCC.
Alhaji AbdulWahab Oba, his chief press secretary, acknowledged his principal’s visit to the EFCC office on Monday, describing it as merely “procedural and routine.”
“Dr. Ahmed’s visitation to the EFCC is customary and formal. He honored their invitation, as he always does. He is always prepared to address any inquiry or concern about his time serving as the state’s governor.
Tuesday night, Oba bemoaned the fact that Ahmed was still being held by the EFCC despite having been given strict bail requirements.
“Yes, he is still with the EFCC. However, because they keep moving the goal posts during the game, we are facing a difficult situation.” We don’t fully understand the new dimension that the case is taking at the moment.At first, they stated that they required him to present two federal directors as sureties. After arriving, the sureties were requested to provide landed properties in Abuja. This seems contradictory to us. Due to a jurisdictional dispute, the matter was first handled by the EFCC office in Abuja before being moved to Ilorin. He has also been refused direct access to his cook, his physicians, and his medication, according to Oba.
On Wednesday, Kwara State opposition Peoples Democratic Party members peacefully demonstrated in front of the EFCC zonal office in Ilorin, where Ahmed was being held.
The demonstrators voiced their disapproval at Ahmed’s detention by holding placards with varied messages.
Under the leadership of Olusegun Adewara, the PDP’s state publicity secretary, party members claimed that Ahmed’s problems were being caused by the state’s All Progressives Congress.
Some of the statements on their signs said things like, “Governor Ahmed was very transparent,” “EFCC is not a department in the APC, EFCC, stop the harassment,” and “EFCC should stop being a tool in the hands of Abdulrazaq led-APC.”
“No to illegal detention,” “Maigida will not join the APC no matter the persecution,” “EFCC, don’t instigate political crisis in Kwara State,” and “The opposition cannot be silenced.” Among other things, honor the law.
However, EFCC zonal commander Michael Nzekwe told the demonstrators that although Ahmed had been granted administrative bail, he was unable to comply with the terms.
We’re coming to an end. The law will take its course after we’re done. Since the anti-graft agency was established by law, it would never break the law.
“Everything we’ve done has complied with legal requirements. The former governor is working with us, and we’re progressing well by abiding by the law. He is currently in the company of his SAN lawyer; he sees patients one-on-one and has been seen by a physician. He consumes the food he desires. I implore us to let the law do its thing. We are not driven by any party or partisanship. The Federal Government is the only sponsor of this group, according to Nzekwe.
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