The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a warrant for the arrest of two top officials of the Kogi State government, Abdulsalamu Hudu and Umar Shuaibu Oricha, over their alleged involvement in the withdrawal of N46,039,579,919.38 from the state government’s bank accounts.
Justice Emeka Nwite granted the order on Tuesday in a motion ex parte filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The development is in connection with the ongoing investigation into alleged fraud by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and his associates.
According to the EFCC, Hudu and Oricha are accused of making cash withdrawals totalling N46 billion from the state government’s account with Zenith Bank Plc between February 2016 and September 2021. The commission also alleged that the funds were used to acquire properties or renovate existing ones, both within and outside the jurisdiction of the court.
The EFCC further alleged that other individuals, including C. Olufunke, Murtala Maigari, and Dauda Sulaiman, were involved in the fraud, with some already facing trial for money laundering offences.
Justice Nwite’s ruling grants the EFCC’s request for an arrest warrant.
It stated, “An order of this Honorable Court is hereby made, issuing a warrant for the arrest of Abdussalamu Hudu and Umar Shuaibu Oricha to bring them before this Honorable Court to answer to criminal complaints/allegations against them and to be dealt with according to the law.”
Recall that the EFCC and other security agencies declared former Governor Bello wanted, citing their inability to track his whereabouts or arrest him. The commission has accused the Kogi State Government of using its “immunity” to shield Bello.
