KADUNA — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a former government contractor over an alleged N30 billion contract scam involving fraudulent awards and diversion of public resources in Kaduna State.
The suspect, whose identity has not yet been disclosed pending the conclusion of investigations, is accused of orchestrating a wide-scale scheme involving fictitious contracts purportedly issued on behalf of the state government. According to EFCC investigators, the suspect allegedly lured multiple contractors into supplying hospital equipment, borehole materials, and medical items under the guise of executing official government projects.
However, it was later discovered that the contracts were non-existent and unauthorised, with the procured items being diverted and stored in undisclosed locations without the knowledge of relevant government authorities. The EFCC said the suspect failed to pay the contractors, even after the delivery of millions of naira worth of goods and services.
In a further twist, the anti-graft agency revealed that the accused had allegedly sold contract award documents to unsuspecting parties through intermediaries and shared the illicit proceeds among a network of collaborators.
During the arrest operation, operatives of the EFCC recovered several items, including vehicles, a large cache of pharmaceuticals, and high-value medical equipment believed to have been fraudulently obtained.
A statement from the EFCC noted that investigations are ongoing and that the suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of preliminary inquiries. The Commission has also called on contractors and companies that may have fallen victim to the alleged scam to come forward with supporting documents and testimonies.
The arrest marks a significant development in the Commission’s efforts to clamp down on contract fraud and financial crimes within the public procurement space, particularly in northern Nigeria.
The EFCC reiterated its commitment to holding corrupt individuals accountable and restoring transparency to public service delivery in line with the rule of law and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s anti-corruption stance.
