Fact-Check: Is AGF Ahmed Idris Set to Resume Office After Arrest by EFCC? 

Fact-Check: Is AGF Ahmed Idris Set to Resume Office After Arrest by EFCC? 

Claim: That the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) would soon resume office after arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged diversion of N80bn.

Full Text: Nigeria’s Accountant-General, Ahmed Idris, was recently arrested over alleged money laundering and diversion of public fund to the tune of N80billion. 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) intercepted Mr Idris in Kano on Tuesday and subsequently flew him to Abuja.

Mr Uwujaren later issued a statement saying, “Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, May 16, 2022 arrested serving Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Ahmed Idris in connection with diversion of funds and money laundering activities to the tune of N80billion( Eighty Billion Naira only).

“The Commission’s verified intelligence showed that the AGF raked off the funds through bogus consultancies and other illegal activities using proxies, family members and close associates.

“The funds were laundered through real estate investments in Kano and Abuja.

“Mr Idris was arrested after failing to honour invitations by the EFCC to respond to issues connected to the fraudulent acts.”

Claims:

However, there are various speculations on social media claiming that Mr. Idris was cleared of allegations against him and would resume office soon. Posting on facebook page, a facebook user, Daneji Aliyu Idris, claimed that the AGF has been cleared and he is set to resume office. 

Verification:

Official records available indicate that the Nigerian government has suspended the Account-General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, following his arrest over money laundering and diversion of public funds allegations.

The Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed, informed Mr Idris of his suspension in a letter.

His suspension is without pay, Mrs Ahmed’s letter stated in the letter dated May 18, 2022 sighted by PRNigeria.

“Following your recent arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations of diversion of funds and money laundering, I write to convey your suspension from work without pay effective 18th May 2022,” the letter read in part.

The suspension, Mrs Ahmed said, is in line with Public Service Rules to give room for proper and unhindered investigation.

The letter, titled, ‘LETTER OF SUSPENSION’, also bars Mr Ahmed from visiting his office or contacting any official in his office during his suspension except for disciplinary proceedings that might be initiated against him.

President Muhammed Buhari appointed Mr Idris accountant-general on June 25, 2015.

Conclusion/Verdict: Contrary to claims that the AGF would soon resume, he stands not only suspended but officially barred from visiting his office or contacting any official in his office during the suspension period. The claim is therefore FALSE.