The Director General of Kogi State Government House, Dr. Umar Oricha Shuaibu on Monday submitted himself alongside the cashier, Abdulsalam Hudu to the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The duo submitted themselves voluntarily, following an indictment on the alleged withdrawal of over N46 billion from the State government’s coffers.
Recall that a Federal High Court in Abuja, last week, had issued arrest orders for both officials concerning the alleged withdrawal.
Justice Emeka Nwite issued the court order in response to an ex parte motion filed by the EFCC, designated as suit number: FHC/ABJ/CS/909/2024.
The allegations against Hudu, the former cashier at the Kogi State Government House, and Oricha, the Director General of the Government House Administration, have raised significant public concern.
Confirming the submission to custody, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo said the move “underscores the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, as it reportedly encouraged the officials to cooperate with the investigation voluntarily.”
“The Kogi State Government can confirm that two of her officials are currently at the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja in response to a report that a Federal High Court ordered their arrest. Despite not receiving an official invitation, they decided to voluntarily report at the headquarters of the commission in Abuja.
“We have not been told the specific details about the allegations against them, but it may not be unconnected to the ongoing investigations regarding some present and former Government officials.
“The officials reported as law abiding citizens of Nigeria to further demonstrate that the Government of Kogi State has nothing to hide and will always open her books to lawful investigations.
“We hope that the EFCC will respond to the patriotic action of the officials by remaining professional in conducting their investigations. As a Government, we are always prepared to cooperate with anti-graft agencies to prove our transparency and retain the confidence of our development partners who have consistently given us awards in recognition of our unflinching transparency, accountability and probity.”
