EFCC arrests Reuben Abati, Bala Mohammed for fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested two former officials under the administration of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.

Reuben Abati, a former presidential spokesperson to President Jonathan, was apprehended by the anti-graft agency on  Monday and is expected to spend the night at the anti graft agency.

Also, Bala Mohammaed,  former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, was reportedly arrested on Monday.

Reports indicate that Abati is being questioned for allegedly receiving some money from former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.

Mr. Dasuki is currently being tried by the EFCC for his management of arms funds under him , in what is now known as #Dasukigate.

Mr. Abati's arrest makes it at least four former aides of Mr. Jonathan who are currently in EFCC custody.

Bala Mohammed was reportedly arrested by the EFCC over suspected multiple criminal breaches while in office, offences that may likely land him in court.

According to reports, Mohammed,  who reported to the commission's headquarters in Abuja around 10: 30 am on Monday, would be detained and questioned extensively in connection with questionable schemes and projects undertaken by him when he held sway as FCT Minister between 2011 and 2015.

The detention and interrogation of Mohammed, according to sources, followed series of petitions filed against him by individuals and group since 2013.

A top source in the commission, who did not want to be named, was cited as saying that the former minister was confronted by EFCC operatives with evidence of sleaze and demanded answers from him.

Another  former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, is still with the commission since last week Monday when he voluntarily surrendered himself after staying months away from the country.

Femi Fani-Kayode, a former Jonathan campaign spokesperson, was arrested on Friday and is still with the commission.

The detention and interrogation of Mohammed, according to sources, followed series of petitions filed against him by individuals and group since 2013. A top source in the commission, who did not want to be named, told Vanguard that the former minister was confronted by EFCC operatives with evidence of sleaze and demanded answers from him.

Another source said Mr. Mohammed's detention was still being processed at about 8:45 p.m. on Monday. He is expected to spend at least Monday night at the commission's office.

The EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, could not be reached for comment late Monday.

Mr. Mohammed, a former senator from Bauchi State, served as the Minister of the FCT under President Goodluck Jonathan between 2010-15.

An anti-corruption crackdown launched by the Muhammadu Buhari administration shortly after assuming office last year had seen dozens of the Jonathan administration officials and associates arrested for corruption.