N1.6 Billion Fraud: EFCC Arrest Igbinedion, Detain Him

By Akinwale Kasali

Former Edo State Governor, Lucky Igbinedion,  has been arrested, detained  by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for allegedly diverting public funds to the tune of N1.6 billion.

The two-term Governor whose administration elapsed in 2007 had been prosecuted in 2008 by the EFCC and convicted of embezzling N2.9 billion belonging to Edo State.

Having pleaded guilty to a one count charge, he was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment.

Following a plea bargain agreement he entered into with the EFCC, the 191 charges were pruned down to only one count to which Mr Igbinedion pleaded guilty.

In exchange for his guilty plea, the Federal High Court in Enugu sentenced him to six months’ imprisonment with an option of a N3.5 million fine.

The Judge, Abdu Kafarati, now deceased also ordered the forfeiture of the N500 million, and three properties, including one in Abuja, seized from him.

EFCC had in reaction to the verdict expressed its dissatisfaction with the option of fine given the former governor.

However, based on statement by Wilson Uwujuaren, EFCC Spokesperson, the former Governor, who was arrived the headquarters of the EFCC at Jabi, Abuja around 2pm Thursday was still being quizzed as of the time of filing this report.

But the new investigation and charges against Igbinedion based on fresh evidence is that the former Governor allegedly diverted a loan obtained by the Edo State Government to finance an investment during his tenure, in settling the financial indebtedness of a company in which he has interest.