Report: Over N1bn already recovered from Diezani’s election largesse

Nigeria has recovered over N1 billion illegally disbursed during the 2015 general elections to some former ministers, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders and coordinators of some election observer groups.

According to The Nation newspaper, over N2 billion has been frozen in several accounts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC).

The frozen funds are believed to be part of the N23.29billion allegedly spent by the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke in a bid to ensure the reelection of Goodluck Jonathan as president.

Also, the amount pledged to be refunded by some of these entities runs into billions of naira according to information a source made available to The Nation.

Accordingly, yesterday, two former ministers, three INEC officials and a coordinator of election observers paid back N62,750,000 to the EFCC even as not less than 36 INEC officers have been implicated in the campaign funds fracas.

According to the source, “In all the six geopolitical zones, most of those quizzed have admitted benefiting in one way or the other from the cash.”

“Our investigation revealed that there appears to be a pattern of allocating about N450million to each of the 36 states and FCT.”

“Some of the beneficiaries have paid back; others made pledges and some are still meeting in groups to refund what was allocated to them.”

“So far, we have recovered over N1billion in cash and more than N2billion frozen in some accounts nationwide. We have given them deadline and they seem to be willing to pay back.”

“In continuation of the ongoing investigation of some INEC officials in Maiduguri and two former ministers, the Advance Fee Fraud/Extractive Industries Unit handling the investigation was able to recover N62,750,000.”

“Investigation is ongoing in the matter as other people are expected to come for questioning. The serving INEC officials are detained in the EFCC office.”

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