EFCC detains ex-governor Igbinedion over alleged ₦1.6 billion fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained a former governor of Edo State, Lucky Igbinedion, over alleged criminal diversion of public funds to the tune of ₦1.6 billion.

Premium Times reports that the ex-governor was being grilled by detectives at EFCC’s headquarters in Jabi, Abuja. The former governor reportedly arrived at the commission’s headquarters around 2 p.m. On Thursday, November 11.

Recall that shortly after his exit as governor in 2007, Mr. Igbinedion was prosecuted by the EFCC and convicted of corruption. But the new investigation, according to sources is based on fresh evidence that the former governor diverted a loan obtained by the Edo State government to settle the financial indebtedness of a company in which he was said to have an interest. Wilson Uwujaren, the spokesperson for the commission, confirmed the invitation of the former governor but declined further comment.