N130m alleged fraud: Ex-Speaker, Etteh regains freedom

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released Patricia Etteh, former speaker of the House of Representatives, from its custody.

The former speaker was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly receiving a suspicious payment of N130 million.

The money was allegedly paid to Etteh by an unnamed contractor of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) who was awarded a solar-powered electrification project in Akwa Ibom state.

In a statement on Saturday, the anti-graft agency said Etteh was released after fulfilling her bail conditions.

The commission said the former speaker is expected to report to its office “periodically to assist further investigations”.

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“Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Patricia Olubunmi Etteh, detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on suspicious and shady financial involvement with Phil Jin Projects Limited, has been released by the Commission,” the statement reads.

“She was released on Friday, May 20, 2022 upon fulfilling bail conditions offered to her by investigators working on her matter.

“She is to report periodically to assist further investigations.”

The former speaker was removed from office in 2007 following allegations of corruption levelled against her.

She was accused of awarding a contract of over N600 million for the renovation of her official residence and that of her deputy as well as the purchase of 12 vehicles.