EFCC arrests ex-Speaker, 14 lawmakers over alleged N2.5bn fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Moses Sule, alongside 14 other former lawmakers, over allegations of N2.5 billion fraud, abuse of office, and violations of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The arrests were carried out by operatives attached to the Commission’s Makurdi Zonal Directorate on Tuesday, June 18, following petitions filed by concerned citizens of Plateau State.

EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the development in an official statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to Oyewale, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects, who served only six months in office, were allegedly involved in irregular procurement processes and the illegal acquisition of luxury government vehicles, collectively valued at over N2.5 billion.

“Upon assuming office, the Plateau State Government procured several high-end official vehicles for the use of the legislators. These vehicles were supposed to be returned after their short stint in office, but were unlawfully taken away by the lawmakers,” Oyewale said.

He added that repeated efforts by the state government to recover the vehicles had failed, compelling the state to spend an additional N2 billion on acquiring a new fleet for the current members of the House of Assembly.

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Those arrested alongside former Speaker Sule 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.

The EFCC said the suspects face possible prosecution at the conclusion of ongoing investigations, which focus on both financial misappropriation and abuse of public trust.

The case has raised fresh concerns about the rising trend of short-term lawmakers allegedly exploiting office privileges for personal gain, further fueling calls for stronger accountability frameworks in state legislatures.

Legal and anti-corruption analysts have called on the EFCC to ensure a thorough and transparent prosecution process to deter future abuse of office across all tiers of government.