Saraki Faces Fresh EFCC’s Probe

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has initiated a fresh investigation against Senate President Bukola Saraki over allegations of money laundering.

The anti-graft agency seeks to probe all salaries, allowances, estacodes, and payments Saraki received as governor from 2003 to 20011, THISDAY is reporting.

The probe is coming eight years after Saraki left office as governor of Kwara State.

The was contained in a letter addressed to the state government, through the Permanent Secretary, Government House, dated April 26, and titled, “Investigation Activities: Dr. Bukola Saraki.”,

The newspaper says EFCC claimed in the letter that it was investigating an alleged case of conspiracy, abuse of office, misappropriation of public funds, theft, and money laundering involving Saraki.

According to the letter signed by its Zonal Head, Isyaku Sharu, EFCC stated, “In view of the above, you are kindly requested to furnish us with the full details of all his entitlements to include but not limited to emoluments, allowances, estacodes, other fringe benefits and severance package while he held sway as the Executive Governor of Kwara State between 2003 and 2011.

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“This request is made pursuant to Section 38 (1) & (2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004 and Section 21 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.”

The Supreme Court had in June 2018 cleared Saraki of all allegations of false asset declaration, after the federal government filed 18 counts of false and anticipatory asset declaration charges against him in 2015. Although all the counts collapsed at the Code of Conduct Tribunal in 2017, the government appealed the ruling, culminating in a judgement by the Supreme Court.

The EFCC had testified against Saraki during the trial.