EFCC Arrests Ex-Gov Igbinedion in Over Alleged N1.6b fraud

By Ogundele Olanrewaju

Former Edo State Governor, Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion was yesterday grilled by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged criminal diversion of public funds amounting to some  N1.6 billion.

According to a source privy to the issue, the former Governor arrived the headquarters of the EFCC at Jabi, Abuja around 2pm and was still being quizzed as of the time of filing this report.

Shortly after his exit as Governor in 2007, Igbinedion was prosecuted by the EFCC and convicted of corruption.

But the new investigation, according to the source  not authorised to speak on the matter, was based on fresh evidence.

The new allegation was that the former Governor diverted a loan obtained by the Edo State Government to finance an investment during his tenure.

It was alleged the loan was used to settle the financial indebtedness of a company in which he had interest.

Wilson Uwujaren, spokesman of the Commission, confirmed the invitation of the former Governor but declined further comment.