The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched a fresh probe into former Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Mallam Nasir el-Rufai’s alleged ownership of some blue chip companies.
EFCC is also looking into allegations that el-Rufai might have hidden some assets acquired while in office with some proxies.
El-Rufai is currently on trial with two others on an eight-count charge.
He was accused of allocating 10 plots of land in choice areas of Abuja and in various sizes to his family members, including his wife, Hadiza Isma, who got two plots- one in Asokoro and the other in Kubwa district.
EFCC claimed that he committed the offence between 2003 and 2007.
While the trial is subsisting, EFCC is probing el-Rufai on those fresh allegations.
According to findings, the latest investigation followed fresh clues linking el-Rufai to some firms, including a telecommunications company.
A top source in the commission said: “This latest probe borders on a fresh information linking el-Rufai to the ownership of a big telecommunications company and some others as well as some choice properties scattered in highbrow areas of Abuja .
“Some of the properties said to be in the name of proxies are also said to be housing some companies linked to him.
“When el-Rufai was recently asked by EFCC operatives investigating his assets about the ownership of some companies, including the telecoms firm, he denied knowledge of the owner.
However, fresh information from a close associate of el-Rufai about his multi billion naira assets being managed by proxies was said to have gingered EFCC to launch the fresh probe with the hope of getting concrete evidence to file fresh charges against him.
EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Babafemi said: “It is not out of order to investigate fresh allegations or information against an accused irrespective of a pending charge against the person.”
There were indications that the latest probe may not be unconnected with alleged moves by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), to withdraw pending charges against el-Rufa.
But the attoney-general withdrew the case against el-Rufai under Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution.
Section 174 empowers the AGF to institute and discontinue criminal proceedings against any person.
The Section reads in part: “The AGF shall have power (a) to institute and undertake criminal proceedings against any person before any court of law in Nigeria, other than a court-martial, in respect of any offence created by or under any Act of the National Assembly; (b) to take over and continue any such criminal proceedings that may have been instituted by any other authority or person; and (c ) to discontinue at any stage before judgment is delivered any such criminal proceedings instituted or undertaken by him or any other authority or person.
“The powers conferred upon the AGF under sub-section (1) of this section may be exercised by him in person or through officers of his department.”
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