The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Kano Zonal Directorate, on Tuesday, handed over the sum of N387,483,488.00 recovered from fraudulent actors to the Jigawa State Government.
According to a statement by the anti-graft agency on Tuesday, the funds were presented to the Director of Treasury Operations of Jigawa State, Muhammad Haruna, in a brief ceremony held at the Commission’s office in Kano.
The statement added that the recovery is the culmination of an investigation initiated following intelligence by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), flagging alleged misappropriation of public funds involving two individuals, Abdullahi Garba and Ayuba Sani.
Acting on the intelligence, operatives of the Commission launched a thorough investigation, during which a total sum of N387,483,488.00 was successfully recovered from the suspects.
Upon conclusion of the investigation, the duo were arraigned in court on charges related to misappropriation of public funds. Subsequently, one of the suspects, Abdullahi Garba, was convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment after pleading guilty to the charge against him.
The EFCC said the second suspect, Ayuba Sani, is currently standing trial.
While presenting the bank draft to the state government representative, the Acting Zonal Director of the Kano Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Friday S. Ebelo, reiterated the Commission’s unwavering dedication to justice.
“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.
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“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.”
Receiving the bank drafts on behalf of the Jigawa State Government, 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.