Ibori’s $15m bribery scandal: EFCC arrests Achigbu

Inspector General of police, Muhammed Abubakar

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested Mr. Chibuike Achigbu, a major suspect in the alleged $15m bribery scandal involving a former governor of Anambra State, Dr. Andy Uba.

The money was said to have been offered to the pioneer chairman of the EFCC, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu by the convicted ex-governor of Delta State, James Ibori.

But Ribadu was said to have rejected the offer on principle.

The Federal Government and Delta State are currently engaged in a fierce legal battle for the money.

Although the details of arrest were sketchy, a  source in the Presidency informed

SATURDAY PUNCH that Achigbu was picked up on Thursday in Lagos and transferred to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

He was said to have made statements that will assist the EFCC in its further investigation.

“We have arrested Chibuike Achigbu. He was arrested in Lagos yesterday (Thursday) and brought to Abuja. He is still with us and is undergoing interrogation.

“Although he has made useful statements, he may  be released on administrative bail anytime he is able to meet the conditions. 

“He is the first person to be arrested over the matter and more arrests will still be made,” the source said.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed the arrest.

Achigbu, a businessman, had on Aug. 29, 2012, filed an application before an Abuja Federal High Court to claim the $15m, which had been kept with the Central Bank of Nigeria as unclaimed property since 2007.

He had claimed that the money was a donation pulled together by a group of unnamed businessmen to fund the campaign of the Peoples Democratic Party in 2007.

He said he actually handed the $15m cash to Uba, then a presidential aide.

Although Achigbu had said in an application (now withdrawn) that Uba offered to depose to his claim to the $15m on oath, the senator denied it and distanced himself from the suit.

An Abuja Chief Magistrate’s Court had ordered the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Muhammed Abubakar, to investigate Uba and Achigbu over the matter.

The order was made based on a Direct Criminal Complaint filed by Mr. Festus Keyamo against Uba and Achigbu, accusing them of conspiracy, and bribery in respect of the $15m Ibori bribe.

The court had ordered the IG to report back with his findings on Sept. 26, 2012.

Culled from Punchng