By John Moses
Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency has arrested Moses Sule, the former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, along with 14 other former legislators, on charges of money laundering and abuse of public office.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale. The operation was carried out by officers from the EFCC’s Makurdi Zonal Directorate on Tuesday, following multiple petitions from concerned citizens in the state.
According to Oyewale, the former lawmakers are being investigated for offences under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as irregularities in government procurement.
Among those detained alongside Sule are: Gwottson Fom, Sani Abubakar, Jwe Gwom, Timothy Dantong, Happiness Akawu, Cornelius Doeyok, Agbalak Ibrahim, Danjuma Azi, Fwangje Ndat, Salome Waklek, Namba Rimuyat, Nimchak Rims, Ishaku Maren, and Paul Datugun.
EFCC investigations reportedly revealed that the ex-lawmakers, who served for only six months, were allocated luxury vehicles worth ₦2.5 billion (approximately $1.6 million). These vehicles were meant to be returned to the state upon their departure from office but were instead taken by the individuals involved.
Oyewale noted that the state was then forced to procure a new fleet valued at ₦2 billion for the current legislative members due to the failure to retrieve the original vehicles.
The EFCC has confirmed that the suspects will be formally charged upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
