Tagged:

Nigeria Arrests Treasury Head Over Alleged U.S.$200 Million Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Nigeria has said that they have arrested the country's accountant-general, Ahmed Idris, on suspicion he diverted almost U.S.$200 million of public funds.

According to the anti-graft agency, intelligence showed that the Idris raked off the funds through bogus consultancies and other illegal activities using proxies, family members, and close associates. The funds were also reportedly laundered through real estate investments in Kano and Abuja.

President Muhammed Buhari appointed Idris accountant-general on June 25, 2015. The president reappointed Idris for a second four-year term in June 2019 despite attaining the retirement age of 60.

Nigeria has struggled with corruption for many years, but the EFCC has successfully prosecuted politicians, police officers, and civil servants. Last year it recovered around U.S.$750 million in assets.

InFocus

Federal Ministry of Information and Culture

Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris.

Follow AllAfrica

AllAfrica publishes around 400 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.