The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday handed over N387.5 million recovered from fraudulent actors to the Jigawa State Government.
The EFCC’s spokesperson Dele Oyewale in a statement on Tuesday, said 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.
According to the statement, the recovery followed an investigation triggered by intelligence from the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), which flagged alleged misappropriation of public funds involving two suspects, Abdullahi Garba and Ayuba Sani.
The EFCC said it launched a thorough investigation, during which a total sum of N387,483,488.00 was successfully recovered from the suspects.
The commission stated that both suspects were arraigned in court on charges related to misappropriation of public funds.
Mr Garba was convicted and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment after pleading guilty, while Mr Sani is currently standing trial.
Speaking during the handover, the Acting Zonal Director of the Kano Directorate, Friday Ebelo, said the commission remains committed to recovering proceeds of crime and ensuring justice.
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“The EFCC 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,” he said.
Receiving the bank drafts on behalf of the state government, Mr 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.
