Eric Patrick
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Makurdi Zonal Directorate, have arrested a former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Mr. Moses Thomas Sule, and 14 other members for alleged money laundering.
The 14 members are Gwottson Fom, Sani Abubakar, Jwe Philip Gwom, Thomas Dantong, Happiness Mathew Akawu, Cornelius Dotyok, and Agbalak Ibrahim.
Others include Danjuma Azi, Fwangje Bala Ndat, Salome Tanimu Wanglet, Namba Rimuyat, Nimchak Rims, Ishaku Maren, and Paul Datugun.
The anti-graft agency in a statement on Wednesday stated that the former legislators were arrested following claims by some concerned citizens of the state against them for allegedly violating the Money Laundering( Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and abuse of procurement processes.
According to the Composition, investigation showed that the former legislators spent only six months in office and the state government bought several luxury vehicles for them in their official capacities.
Investigation further revealed that the said vehicles are valued at N2.5 billion.
READ ALSO:Â EFCC Drags Oil Boss to Court Over N750m Bank Fraud in Rivers
Upon leaving office, the vehicles were meant to be returned to the state government, but were taken away by the legislators, and all efforts to retrieve them have proved abortive.
“The state government had to procure another set of vehicles for the present members of the House of Assembly valued at about N2 billion,” the statement added.
The EFCC said that the former Speaker and other members will soon be charged to court.