Extent of the ongoing probe of the suspended Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Ahmed Idris, by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reached N170billion.
Idris, who was battling for bail Saturday night, has opened up on some top government officials allegedly involved in some transactions.
The anti-graft agency has grilled a Permanent Secretary in connection with some “deals in which he was implicated”.
EFCC was also closing in on a minister who was fingered in the allegations against the suspended AGF.
It was learnt that Idris was arrested after he shunned 80 invitations by the EFCC.
According to an investigation by The Nation, detectives of the EFCC have made startling discoveries about some transactions in the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF).
It was gathered that although the AGF was initially accused of N80 billion fraud, findings have unveiled another alleged N90 billion scam.
There were indications that the AGF had made a commitment to the EFCC to refund some cash to the coffers of the government.
A reliable source, who spoke in confidence, said: “So far, the EFCC chairman Abdulrasheed Bawa and his team have made substantial progress.
“This is one of the biggest scandals that Bawa’s administration has uncovered.
“Based on preliminary investigation, the suspended AGF now will account for N170billion. Detectives are still digging more into his activities in office.
“Since his arrest on May 16th, he has made useful disclosures including some suspicious accounts and transactions.”
It was gathered that the AGF has also made available a list of government officials having to do with some financial activities in OAGF.
The source added: “As part of his disclosures during the investigation, a Federal Permanent Secretary was invited and interrogated by the EFCC last week.
“The Permanent Secretary is presently on bail and his movement restricted to Abuja. The Permanent Secretary has made a useful statement to investigators.
“A minister was also implicated.
“We have to verify whether or not the links with the minister were real or maybe the suspect was just desperate to rope in others.”