The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Abdul’aziz Yari, the former governor of Zamfara State.
The former governor was reportedly arrested for his alleged role in the N84 billion fraud involving Ahmad Idris, the former Accountant General of the Federation.
He was reportedly arrested around 5 p.m. on Sunday for allegedly receiving N22 billion from the N84 billion that the former AGF allegedly paid to one Akindele.
According to the sources, the anti-corruption agency also arrested Anthony Yaro, the Chairman and Managing Director of Finex Professional – the company through which former Governor Yari is alleged to have benefited from the fund.
Former Governor Yari was arrested a day after receiving the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination to run for one of Zamfara State’s three senatorial district seats in the National Assembly.
According to reports, Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara, along with party officials from the APC national headquarters and state executives, were present at the primary.
Former Governor Yari ran unopposed for the APC nomination in the state’s Talata Mafara Local Government Area, which was monitored by a team of officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies.
Mr. Idris was arrested in mid-May on suspicion of money laundering and diversion of over N80 billion in public funds.
EFCC agents reportedly apprehended him in Kano State and transported him to Abuja for questioning.
Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, suspended Mr. Idris from office due to the controversy surrounding his arrest.
Since then, Mr. Anamekwe Nwabuoku has been appointed acting Accountant General of the Federation by the government.