EFCC Detains Ex-House Deputy Speaker, Nafada Over N40B Loan

Source: EMMA UCHE, THEWILL. - thewillnigeria.com
FORMER DEPUTY SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, HON. USMAN NAFADA.
FORMER DEPUTY SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, HON. USMAN NAFADA.

ABUJA, June 12, (THEWILL) - More facts on how former Speaker, House of Representatives Dimeji Bankole-led House allegedly looted huge public funds during their tenure are unfolding by the day with the arrest and detention of former Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Usman Bayero Nafada on Sunday night by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), over an alleged illegal procurement and misappropriation of about N40 billion loan obtained on behalf of the House.

Also, there is strong indication that the embattled former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Bankole may face fresh charges of corruption on Monday.

Nafada is expected to be arraigned Monday alongside Bankole who is currently facing a 16-count-charge of contract inflation amounting to N894m.

EFCC spokesman, Femi Babafemi, confirmed Nafada's detention on Sunday, but said his matter is an unrelated case to that which Bankole was initially held for. Babafemi declined to give further insight into details of Nafada’s alleged crime.

But sources told THEWILL that the N40 billion naira loan was obtained and misappropriated without the knowledge of legislators.

Recall that some principal officers who served under the leadership of Bankole, including Nafada were last week invited for interrogation by the EFCC.

The erstwhile Deputy Speaker was said to have written a statement that seemed to distance him and others from the embattled Bankole.

Bankole was arrested last week Sunday and slammed with a 16-count charge bearing on contract inflation.

His arrest and subsequent arraignment was sequel to series of petitions sent to the EFCC against him by his colleagues under the auspices of Progressive Minded legislators and several anti-corruption groups, including SERAP and Youth-Corruption League on alleged misappropriation.

With this development, the embattled ex-speaker's chance of tasting freedom has become slimmer.

However, following a ruling of a Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, Bankole was remanded in custody of the EFCC till tomorrow (Monday) pending the court's ruling on his bail application filed by his lawyer, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN.