ICPC Probes REA for Suspected Fraud and Funds Diversion, Summons MD

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has initiated an in-depth investigation into allegations of fraud, criminal conspiracy, and the diversion of public funds within the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). In a press release dated Tuesday, the ICPC announced that it is focusing its scrutiny on the Managing Director of REA, Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, due to the serious allegations of corruption linked to his office.

Ahmad has been formally summoned through a letter dated October 12, 2023, and is expected to appear before the Commission on Wednesday, October 18. In parallel to ICPC’s inquiry, the House of Representatives Committee on Anti-corruption has also extended an invitation to Ahmad, with the objective of addressing the allegations of fraud, criminal conspiracy, and misappropriation of public funds within the agency.

These investigative actions have been set in motion following a petition filed by the Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence (CAIDOV). This organization, represented by its executive director, Gbenga Soloki, raised alarm bells over alleged gross misconduct and substantial fraud occurring under the leadership of Ahmad at REA.

ICPC, in its official statement, outlined that the allegations against Ahmad constitute a potential violation of the ICPC Act. The Commission is probing an alleged infringement of specific provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act of 2000. In accordance with Section 28 of the aforementioned Act, Ahmad has been officially requested to make a timely appearance at the ICPC Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at 10:00 am, to provide essential assistance to the Commission during its investigation.

The allegations made by CAIDOV in its petition to the ICPC are both troubling and extensive. Among the claims put forth are the following:

1. **Multiple Bank Accounts**: It is alleged that Ahmad possesses a total of 37 bank accounts, all linked to his Biometric Verification Number (BVN), with inconsistencies in account names and dates of birth. Some of these accounts are purportedly registered in the names of companies, while two of them bear the name of his mother, Hajia Bilkisu Salihijo Ahmad, who is a Director at the National Board for Technical Education.

These allegations point to a complex web of financial transactions that demand thorough examination.

Notably, prior to this petition to the ICPC, CAIDOV had also lodged a complaint with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), urging the EFCC to open an investigation into what they described as fraud, criminal conspiracy, and the diversion of public funds within REA. In a letter marked EFCC/PET/HQR/4798/2023 and addressed to the EFCC office, Gbenga Soloki, on behalf of CAIDOV, expressed deep concern that REA was showing signs of systemic corruption, emphasizing the urgency of investigating financial transactions within the agency to safeguard it from corrupt practices by public officials.

CAIDOV’s contention is that corruption has permeated the hierarchy of REA, involving government officials whose salaries are funded by taxpayers. They regard this as a grave injustice, which aligns with CAIDOV’s core mission of addressing injustices in society.

In light of these alarming allegations and the investigative efforts initiated by ICPC and the House of Representatives Committee on Anti-corruption, it is evident that a comprehensive examination of the Rural Electrification Agency and its leadership is essential to ascertain the veracity of these claims and to take any necessary actions to ensure accountability and transparency within this important public institution. The outcome of these investigations will play a pivotal role in determining the future course of the REA and in maintaining the trust and confidence of the Nigerian public in the administration of public funds.