EFCC Nabs Former Plateau Speaker, 14 Lawmakers Over Alleged ₦2.5bn Luxury Vehicle Fraud

EFCC Nabs Former Plateau Speaker, 14 Lawmakers Over Alleged ₦2.5bn Luxury Vehicle Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Moses Sule, along with 14 ex-lawmakers over allegations bordering on money laundering and abuse of office involving luxury vehicles worth ₦2.5 billion.

The arrest, carried out by operatives of the EFCC’s Makurdi Zonal Directorate on Tuesday, follows multiple petitions from concerned citizens in Plateau State.

According to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the suspects allegedly breached provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and were also implicated in irregularities relating to government procurement.

The arrested individuals include 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.

Oyewale explained:

“Investigation showed that the former legislators spent only six months in office and the state government bought several luxury vehicles for them in their official capacities.

“Investigation further showed that the said vehicles are valued at N2.5 billion.

“Upon leaving office, the vehicles were meant to be returned to the state government but were taken away by the legislators and all efforts to retrieve them have proved abortive.

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“The state government had to procure another set of vehicles for the present members of the House of Assembly valued at about N2 billion.”

He added that the suspects would be charged to court once investigations are concluded.

The case has sparked public outcry, especially amid growing concerns over corruption and financial mismanagement in Nigerian public service.