Ex-LG boss in N7.8m fraud

Dipo Laleye, Minna - 31.01.2008

A former caretaker committee chairman for Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State has been arrested by the police in Minna Niger State in connection with a N7.8 million fraud.

The former chairman, who recently lost his position to the dissolution of councils by the state governor, Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu, was arrested as he tried to escape from the state after he got wind that the whistle had been blown.

Nigerian Tribune learnt that the new caretaker committee chairman of the local government, after going through the books, discovered the alleged financial misdeeds of his predecessor.

According to the source, the new caretaker chairman later informed the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adamu Usman, who set up a panel to look into the fraud.

It was learnt that based on the report of the panel which the Ministry of Justice sent to the police, the former chairman was arrested and detained.

The Commissioner for Justice confirmed the development but did not give details. Also the Police Public Relations officer, ASP Richard Oguche, confirmed the development, saying “ the former chairman has been with us for some days.”

Oguche, who said the politician would be charged to court soon, explained that the police would always cooperate with the government to reduce fraud in the country.

Governor Aliyu had repeatedly warned political office holders and civil servants that it would no longer be business as usual as anyone found diverting public funds would not only be sacked, but also prosecuted