- Reveals ex-governor Arrested in UK for spraying Money
By Abiola Olawale
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched investigations into 18 sitting Nigerian governors over allegations of corruption and financial misconduct.
This was revealed by the EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede.
Olukoyede, speaking during a sensitisation programme in Lagos State said the development is part of the agency’s ongoing fight against graft in Nigeria’s public sector.
Olukoyede disclosed that the EFCC is actively probing these governors for various financial crimes, including money laundering, misappropriation of public funds, and abuse of office.
While specific names of the governors under investigation were not disclosed, the announcement underscores the agency’s commitment to holding high-ranking officials accountable, regardless of their status.
During the question and answer session, the EFCC boss also narrated how a former governor was arrested in the United Kingdom because a hotel manager thought he was mad for spraying pounds.
Olukoyede said the former governor in question fled Nigeria to the UK a day after he handed over power.
He stated: “I will give you an experience we had in EFCC. There was a time in this country when we were investigating a governor. We don’t wait until they finish their tenures before we investigate.
“As I’m talking to you, I’m investigating 18 governors who are still serving. When they leave the office, we will go to the next level.
“This governor was investigated while he was in office. Immediately, he finished his tenure, the following day, he took off to England to avoid the arrest of the EFCC.
“Coincidentally, that week happens to be his birthday. He organised a birthday party in the hotel where he was staying.
“While the party was going on, he started spraying pounds — 50 bills and 10 bills. So the manager of the hotel was called. He came down and saw the former governor spraying pounds. He had never seen such a thing in his life so he had to call 911.
“When the Metropolitan Police came, he asked that they should help arrest the former governor. The ex-governor was arrested and they wanted to put him in an ambulance.
“The people — his friends, colleagues, and two governors — who went to London to celebrate with him had to intervene. They said the ex-governor was not a madman because the hotel manager thought he was mad.”
