EFCC, ICPC set to probe South-East gov - Over money laundering

Lanre Adewole, Abuja - 25.03.2008

MORE troubled days appear ahead for a South-East governor recently quizzed by the Metropolitan Police in London with an emerging indication that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are set for a full scale investigation into the alleged money laundering allegation against the governor.

The first step into the planned probe, the Nigerian Tribune gathered, would be the unravelling of the governor’s identity.

Nigerian Tribune further learnt from a source within the EFCC that the working relationship and understanding between the British police and the commission would be a veritable tool in sourcing all required information on the matter, especially the statement reportedly obtained from him by the London Police.

Though, money laundering issue falls within the purview of the EFCC, the ICPC said it would be focussing on those who could have assisted in the movement of the money allegedly laundered, especially the civil servants in the state.

ICPC spokesman, Mr. Folu Olamiti, in a telephone interview with the Nigerian Tribune, stated that knowing the identity of the governor would be the first step to take in the investigation of the alleged crime.

Olamiti added that the focus of the commission would be on the state civil servants who were always in the know before illegal money was moved and often participate in such movement.

He said the commission would not spare anybody found to have collaborated with the governor regardless of his or her status in government.

Efforts to get the official reaction of the EFCC on the matter yielded no result, as calls made to its spokesperson, Osita Nwajah, were not answered.

It will be recalled that the Federal Government, through the office of the Attorney General of the Federation, had said that any sitting governor indicted for corruption while in office would be investigated, while anybody found to have collaborated in the crime would be prosecuted alongside the governor.