Efcc Probes Aregbesola Over Alleged Diversion Of Lg Funds

BEVERLY HILLS, May 16, (THEWILL) – There is an indication that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has launched investigation into the alleged diversion of local governments’ funds by the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State.

EFCC's Head of Ibadan zonal office, Akaninyene Ezima, said this in a letter of invitation sent to the Civil Societies Coalition for the Emancipation of Osun State, CSCEOS, which had forwarded a petition to the anti-graft agency accusing Aregbesola of illegally diverting 30 local governments' monthly allocations.

According to the EFCC's letter of invitation made available to the Punch yesterday by the CSCEOS Chairman, Mr. Sulaiman Adeniyi, the anti-corruption agency invited the group to come and clarify some areas in the petition against the governor.

The human rights group had, in a petition, claimed that the Governor suspended democratic structure in the local councils and had mismanaged funds allocated to them.

But the EFCC's letter, dated May 13, 2016, with reference No: CR: 3000/EFCC/IB/T.B/VOL.1/79 was titled, “Investigation Activities: Acknowledgement/Invitation letter” read that “this is to acknowledge the receipt of your petition dated April 4, 2016, captioned Report of Illegal Diversion of 30 Local Governments' monthly allocations by the Osun State Governor, Mr. Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola.”

It continued, “Why Civil Societies Coalition for the Emancipation of Osun State is calling for investigation and stoppage of Releasing of Local Government monthly allocations to Osun State through Mr. Rauf Aregbesola and to inform you that investigation has commenced.

“In view of the above, you are hereby requested to report to the EFCC Zonal Office at No.16 Revd. Oyebode Crescent, Iyaganku, G.R.A., Ibadan, for an interview with the undersigned through the Head, Team B, on May 17, 2016, at 10am prompt.”