Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede has announced that the agency is investigating 18 sitting state governors in the country.
Olukoyede disclosed this during a sensitization event in Lagos on Friday.
He was speaking at event held to inform stakeholders, including filmmakers and bureau de change operators, about the risks associated with naira abuse and mutilation.
The EFCC chairman noted that while some state governors are protected by constitutional immunity, investigations into their financial dealings have already begun.
He emphasized that the agency will take necessary actions once their terms end.
The EFCC boss highlighted that the anti- graft agency does not have to wait for a state governor to leave office before starting an investigation.
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Olukoyede also recounted a notable incident involving a former state governor who was arrested in the UK for throwing around pound sterling notes at a birthday celebration.
He explained that this former state governor fled Nigeria for the UK the day after completing his term.
He said: “Let me share an experience we had at the EFCC. There was a time when we were looking into a governor’s activities. We don’t wait until their terms are over to investigate.
“As I speak, I am currently investigating 18 sitting governors. Once they leave office, we will escalate our actions.
“This particular governor was under investigation while still in office. The day after he finished his term, he left for England to evade EFCC arrest.
“Coincidentally, that week was his birthday, and he held a celebration at the hotel where he was staying.
“During the party, he began to spray £50 and £10 notes. The hotel manager was alerted, came down, and was astonished to see the former governor doing this, prompting him to call 911.
“When the Metropolitan Police arrived, they were asked to arrest the former governor.
“He was about to be placed in an ambulance when his friends, including two other governors who had come to celebrate with him, intervened, insisting he was not insane, as the hotel manager had thought.”
