The federal government on Wednesday announced the suspension of the accountant general of the federation, Mr. Ahmed Idris, for alleged N80 billion fraud.
The minister of finance, budget and national planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed announced the suspension in a letter marked HMFBNP/AGF/SUSPENSION/5/2022 and dated 18th May, 2022.
According to the minister, the suspension became necessary “to allow for proper and unhindered investigation into the serious allegations in line with public service rules 030406.”
The 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.”
Recall that Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had on Monday, May 16 arrested Idris for allegedly diverting and laundering funds.
Spokesman for the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, had said in a statement that Idris was arrested after failing to honour an invitation.
The agency added that the accountant general allegedly laundered the funds through real estate investments in Kano and Abuja.
“Operatives of the EFCC on Monday, May 16, 2022 arrested the serving Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Ahmed Idris, in connection with diversion of funds and money laundering activities to the tune of N80 billion.
“The commission’s verified intelligence showed that the AGF raked off the funds through bogus consultancies and other illegal activities using proxies, family members and close associates.
“The funds were laundered through real estate investments in Kano and Abuja. Mr. Idris was arrested after failing to honour invitations by the EFCC to respond to issues connected to the fraudulent acts,” the statement read.
