The Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended Captain Nuhu Haruna for an alleged criminal breach of trust, involving a substantial sum of N1,020,000,000 (One Billion, Twenty Million Naira only).
The EFCC issued a statement on Wednesday via the X platform (previously known as Twitter).
The arrest follows a complaint made by a petitioner, who described an engagement with the suspect in December 2023 for a foreign currency transaction for N1.02 billion. The petitioner claimed that the cash were deposited to the suspect’s account with the intention of getting an equivalent in dollars. However, the petitioner learned that the suspect’s evidence of payment was fake, and the promised cash equivalent was never obtained.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Haruna, posing as an aircraft captain, reportedly diverted monies for personal gain. The funds were supposedly used to purchase properties and vehicles for the development of his putative airline enterprise, Air Unity Aviation Services.
The examination revealed significant acquisitions, including a landed property purchased for N155,000,000.00 and another for N350,000,000.00. In addition, three 18-seater Toyota Hiace buses with the Air Unity Aviation Services insignia and four luxury cars were linked back to the suspect.
As investigations continue, Captain Nuhu Haruna is expected to face court charges, representing a significant step forward by the EFCC in combating financial misconduct.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) continues to actively combat fraudulent activities across Nigeria.
EFCC operatives in Lagos apprehended Charles Chukwuemeka Ugwuh, a former Minister, for his alleged involvement in a N3.6 billion conspiracy and fraud within the Commerce and Industry sector.
Additionally, approximately two weeks ago, the agency made another significant arrest by detaining Abubakar Ahmad Sirika, the brother of Hadi Sirika, the former Aviation Minister.
The arrest was linked to an alleged contract fraud within the aviation ministry. Abubakar was taken into custody by the anti-graft agency on Sunday, February 4, following an extensive investigation within the Aviation Ministry.
These proactive measures underscore the EFCC’s commitment to rooting out corruption and ensuring accountability, contributing to the ongoing efforts to uphold the rule of law in the country.
During his tenure as minister, Sirika faces allegations including conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, contract inflation, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering totaling N8,069,176,864.