EFCC re-arrests ex-INEC chief, 1 other for diverting N731 million

macfranc007 February 08, 2018 Nigeria News today & Breaking news ▷ Read Nigerian newspapers 24/7 Nnenna Ibeh

- An assistant director of Independent National Electoral Commission who received bribe from a former minister has been re-arrested

- Christian Nwosu and Tijani Inda were re-arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Tuesday, February 5

- They were re-arrested at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday, February 6, re-arrested two former officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for allegedly diverting N731 million.

Christian Nwosu, a former INEC administrative secretary, Kwara state and Tijani Inda, an INEC assistant director were re-arrested at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi Lagos state for offences bordering on diversion of funds and money laundering to the tune of N731,438,926.35.

The duo were alleged to have conspired to divert the fund for their personal use through an account belonging to Abdulganiyu Adebayo, a cashier with INEC in Kwara state.

A statement by the EFCC's on Thursday, February 8, said Nwosu gave approval for the transfer of the money which was earmarked for the commission's operations in the state.

Following Nwosu's approval, Inda filled the forms used to transfer the funds from Adebayo’s account into some companies they both have interest in.

The commission said the accused persons will soon be charged to court once investigation on the matter is concluded.

Nwosu and Inda had earlier appeared before Justice Muhammed idris on a seven count charge for receiving N264.88 million gratification

Nwosu had pleaded guilty to receiving N30 million out N23 billion from a former minister of petroleum resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke.

The commission said investigations showed the money was meant to serve as bribe to compromised the 2015 general election.

He was found guilty and convicted by the court.

Following his acquittal, the court also ordered the forfeiture of all the landed properties acquired by Nwosu with the alleged proceeds of crime, including the sum of N5 million found in his bank account.

A plea bargain entered by the first defendant was also denied by the court on the grounds that Nwosu’s offence was heavier than the plea bargain.

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NAIJ.com earlier reported that the chairman of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) recounted his ordeal with the EFCC.

Innocent Chukwuma said he was maltreated by officials of the anti-graft agency.

He also said his four-month old grandson and members of his staff were teargassed by the operatives.

The EFCC stage a walk against corruption - on NAIJ.com TV