ABUJA, Nigeria — A youth organisation has filed an action at the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking an order of mandamus to compel Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, to charge and prosecute three former governors of Abia State over the alleged mismanagement of public funds totalling N1 trillion.
The group, Support the Youth Organisation, is asking the court for leave to pursue a judicial review of mandamus directing the EFCC to institute criminal proceedings against Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Senator Theodore Orji and Okezie Ikpeazu.
In its filing, the organisation contended that the request, brought under Section 6 of the EFCC Establishment Act, falls within the commission’s statutory responsibility to investigate and prosecute alleged financial crimes involving public funds.
Allegations Linked to State Projects and Welfare Obligations
The organisation said the funds in question were meant for public purposes including road construction, payment of workers’ salaries and pensions for retirees, but were allegedly mismanaged during the administrations of the three former governors.
In an affidavit deposed to by Susan Nwaze, described as a Nigerian citizen, the organisation questioned why the EFCC — which it said had previously initiated investigations into alleged diversion of funds under the three administrations — had suspended its action.
The affidavit referred to what it described as EFCC investigations relating to multiple categories of state funds and revenue, including over N551 billion in the coffers, N383 billion revenue from federal accounts, N55 billion excess crude revenue, N2.3 billion Sure P funds, N1.8 billion ecological funds and N10 billion for a non-existent airport.
Questions Raised About Loans and Refunds
The affidavit also questioned the outcome of probes into additional alleged diversions, including N10.5 billion in a loan from First Bank Plc through the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Local Government Affairs, N4 billion in a loan from Diamond Bank, N12 billion in a Paris Club refund, N2 billion in an agricultural loan intended for farmers, and N55 billion in ASOPADEC funds.
It further claimed that deposits linked to the funds had been traced in local and foreign currencies in various banks.
No hearing date has been fixed for the motion, according to the filing.
