By John Ikani
Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, has suspended the Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris over allegation of N80bn fraud.
Idris’ suspension is coming two days after his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged N80 billion fraud.
In a letter dated May 18, 2022, Ahmed said the suspension “without pay” was to allow for “proper and unhindered investigation” in line with public service rules.
According to Media Adviser to the Minister, Mr. Yunusa Tanko, the suspended Accountant General is not expected to come to the office or contact any official in his office except for any disciplinary hearing that may be advised.
It would be recalled that Idris was arrested in Kano state by the anti-graft agency.
The EFCC said his arrest “was in connection with diversion of funds and money laundering activities to the tune of N80 billion”.
EFCC Head of Media and Public Information, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, stated that verified intelligence reports showed that Idris raked off the funds through bogus consultancies and other illegal activities using proxies, family members and close associates.
Uwujaren added that the funds were laundered through real estate investments in Kano and in Abuja.
The agency said it picked up Idris after he failed to respond to invitations by the commission to answer questions over the allegation.
