Kwankwaso invited, questioned by EFCC over alleged N2.5bn pension fraud
The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) has initiated an investigation into former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, over allegations of misappropriating N2.5bn in pension funds.
According to reports, Kwankwaso was summoned by the EFCC and subjected to rigorous questioning by investigators in connection with the financial irregularities.
An insider at the anti-graft agency, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed, “The commission extended an invitation to Kwankwaso regarding the purported N2.5bn pension funds from Kano. We have conducted a detailed interrogation of Kwankwaso on the matter, and he has provided some explanations.”
Another source affirmed, “The former Kano governor, Kwankwaso, was called in by the commission for further inquiries. He has been thoroughly questioned, and our investigative procedures are ongoing.”
The EFCC spokesperson disclosed that the forfeiture of properties was mandated by a court order issued by Justice I.E. Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
He also clarified that the forfeiture stemmed from a successful EFCC-led investigation into a N4.1bn Pension Trust Fund that pensioners had contributed with the aim of acquiring houses, but were allegedly deprived of by two previous administrations in Kano State.
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Oyewale said, “The commission investigated a petition by Concerned Kano State Workers and Pensioners of alleged misappropriation of pension funds in the state. Findings by the EFCC showed that the state government entered into a tripartite agreement with the Kano State Pension Trust Fund to build housing estates for an aggregate sum of N41bn, out of which the Pension Trust Fund was to contribute N4.1bn.
“However, the contribution of the pensioners was used to build the houses in three estates located in Sheikh Ja’afar Mahmud Adam (Bandirawo city), Sheikh Nasiru Kabara (Amana city) and Sheikh Khalifa Ishaq Rabiu city, all in Kano State and two former governors of the state fraudulently discounted and sold the houses to their cronies and associates, leaving the pension trustees with low budget and uncompleted houses.
“The EFCC stepped in and upon completion of investigation, filed for and acquired a final forfeiture order of the 324 properties to the Kano State Pension Fund Trustees.
“While handing over the documents of the 324 properties worth N4.1bn to the pensioners on Monday, March18, 2024, the Abuja Zonal Commander of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, Adeniyi Adebayo, assured that the EFCC would continue to do its best to rid the nation of fraudulent practices.
“Representatives of the Kano State Pension Board, Alhaji Hassan Muhammed Aminu, Kubra Ahmad Bichi and Salisu Yakubu Abubakar, who received the documents on behalf of the workers and pensioners, expressed delight and joy with the EFCC for assisting them in recovering their houses.”
The EFCC probe of Kwankwaso comes amid political tension between the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party he leads in Kano and the All Progressives Congress led by the immediate-past governor, Abdullahi Ganduje.
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