EFCC arrests Gov. Okorocha’s aides for allegedly pocketing N2bn bailout fund

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, March 2, arrested three top officials of Imo State government for allegedly diverting the sum of N2billion bailout fund given to the state by the Federal Government for payment of salary arrears of the state’s civil servants.

According to the statement by EFCC spokesman Wilson Uwujaren, the suspects are: Dr. Obi Paschal Chigozie, Principal Secretary to the Governor of Imo State, Uzoho Casmir, Director of Finance and Iheoma Kenneth, Treasurer.

He added that their arrest followed an investigation into the alleged diversion of the said money which revealed that, the cashier had made cash withdrawal of N456.532m between September 3, 2015 and October 10, 2015 from the Government House account domiciled in Zenith Bank.

“It was revealed that, the said amount was given to an aide of the Chief of Staff to the Governor, following approval and directive by the Principal Secretary to the Governor.” Uwajaren stated.

The suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded, the EFCC statement said.