A former Governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion has spent a night in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of diverting public funds to the tune of N1.6 billion.
EFCC’s Spokesperson, Mr Wilson Uwujaren has confirmed the invitation of the former governor but failed to speak on the details.
Igbinedion, who was said to have arrived EFCC’s headquarters in Jabi, Abuja around 2p.m, Thursday, was grilled for several hours by detectives in connection with the alleged fraud.
The EFCC’s interrogation follows fresh allegations that the former governor diverted a loan obtained by the Edo State government. The loan, according to reports, was used to settle the financial indebtedness of a company in which he was said to have an interest.
The New Diplomat recalls Igbinedion, upon his tenure expiration as Governor in 2007, was prosecuted by the EFCC and convicted of embezzling N2.9 billion belonging to the state in December 2008.
The EFCC had initially slammed 191 charges against Igbinedion, but was later reduced to one count following a plea bargain agreement between the former Governor and EFCC. He later bagged a six-month jail term with an option of N3.5million fine at the federal high court, Enugu.
Lucky Igbinedion was the Governor of Edo State from 1999 to 2007.
