BY SEGUN ADEBAYO – A former governor of Edo State, Lucky Igbinedion is currently being held by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged financial crimes during his eight years tenure.
Reports said Igbinedion, who governed the South-South state between 1999 and 2007, is being questioned by the anti-graft agency at its Abuja headquarters for allegedly diverting public funds to the tune of N1.6 billion.
An EFCC document indicated that a loan obtained by the Edo State government during Igbinedion’s administration was allegedly diverted to a company in which he has an interest
This is the second time that the former governor would be undergoing trial for financial misdemeanors when he held sway as the Edo State chief executive for eight years. He was prosecuted in 2008 by the anti-corruption agency and convicted of embezzling N2.9 billion belonging to the State.
He bagged a six months jail term from a Federal High Court sitting in Enugu after pleading guilty to a one-count charge which was pruned from the initial 191 charges that the EFCC brought against him.
After conviction, he opted to pay the fine of 3.5 million Naira (about $25,754) slammed on him by the presiding Judge, A. Abdu-Kafarati as an alternative to serving the six months jail sentence.
By that judgment, he was also expected to refund about 500 million and forfeit three properties, including one in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
EFCC’s spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren confirmed the invitation extended to the former governor but did not give further details on the development. – With Premium Times report
