N80bn Fraud: FG suspends embattled Accountant General Ahmed Idris

The Federal Government on Wednesday suspended the Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris following his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged N80 billion fraud.

The letter signed by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, said the suspension took effect from 18 May, 2022.

According to the letter, following his recent arrest by the EFCC on allegations of diversion of funds and money laundering, “I write to convey your suspension from work without pay effective 18th May 2022.”

The letter said the suspension was to allow for proper and unhindered investigation into the serious allegations in line with Public Service Rules 030408.

The government warned the embattled Accountant General not to visit the place of work or contact any officials in his office.

“During this period, you are not expected to attend to your place of work or contact any official in your office except for any disciplinary hearing that may be advised,” it stated.

The letter also warned Idris to comply strictly with any instructions that would be forwarded to him in his current location or his known recorded address as stipulated in the extant rules.

Operatives of the EFCC had on Monday, May 16, arrested Idris in connection with diversion of funds and money laundering activities to the tune of N80billion.

The Commission’s verified intelligence showed that the AGF raked off the funds through bogus consultancies and other illegal activities using proxies, family members and close associates.

The funds were laundered through real estate investments in Kano and Abuja.

Idris was arrested after failing to honour invitations by the EFCC to respond to issues connected to the fraudulent acts.