By James Orji
Disgraced Accountant General of the Federation, AGF Ahmed Idris has been suspended. Idris was suspended on Wednesday by the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed.
The AGF was arrested on Monday by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Wilson Uwujaren, Head of Media and Public Information at the EFCC disclosed, in Abuja, that the AGF was arrested for allegedly misappropriating N80 billion.
According to the EFCC spokesman, verified intelligence reports showed that Idris raked off the funds through bogus consultancies and other illegal activities using proxies, family members and close associates.
Uwujaren added that the funds were laundered through real estate investments in Kano and in Abuja.
He explained further that Idris was arrested after he failed to honour invitations by the EFCC to respond to issues connected to the fraudulent acts.
In a letter announcing his suspension, Ahmed said the AGF cannot remain in office while investigation is ongoing over the issue.
In the suspension letter marked HMFBNP/AGF/SUSPENSION/5/2022 and dated May 18, 2022 the minister said the suspension became necessary “to allow for proper and unhindered investigation in to the serious allegations in line with Public Service Rules 030406”.
The suspension letter reads: “Following your recent arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations of diversion of funds and money laundering, I write to convey your suspension from work without pay effective 18th May, 2022.
“During this period, you are not expected to attend to your place of work or contact any official in your Office except for any disciplinary hearing that may be advised.”
Meanwhile, the anti-graft agency said on Wednesday that it has moved the suspended AGF to Abuja for interrogation.
