…….We’re investigating Incident —Agency’s Spokesman
…..ONDO FINANCE MINISTRY’S N11.5B SECURITY VOTE, ASSEMBLY’S CALLS ALLOCATION SPARK CONCERN
Report says the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into the allocation of N11.5 billion as a security vote by the Ondo State Ministry of Finance in the 2025 budget
This development comes after concerns were raised about transparency and accountability in the state’s financial management regime.
According to reports, personnel from the EFCC have stormed Ondo State with invitation to top officials to verify the budget details, and the leadership of the State Assembly expected to provide further insights into the budget’s passage.
The allocation of N11.5 billion by the Finance Ministry as a security vote in the state has sparked outrage, with many questioning the necessity of such a large sum.
Budget Breakdown: The 2025 budget presented by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in December 2024 initially totaled N655 billion. However, after the Assembly increased it by N43.4 billion, the total budget now stands at N698 billion. A closer look at the budget reveals additional allocations, including:
- Honorarium and Sitting Allowances: N250 million
- Contingencies: N1.5 billion
- Phone Calls for Assembly Members: N200 million
- Speaker’s Phone Calls: N280 million
……CRITICISMS AND REACTIONS
The Nigerian Anti-Corruption Network (NACN) has condemned the inclusion of the N11.5 billion security vote, describing it as an “affront to the sensibilities of Ondo State citizens.”
The group urged the EFCC to thoroughly investigate the matter.
Some Civil servants in the state have also expressed concerns, stating that the allocation is a misplacement of priorities.
“The constituencies of the members are nothing to write home about in terms of infrastructure and education,” one civil servant said.
Another worker said, “It’s a pity that we are where we are today in the state.”
EFCC’s Investigation
A reliable source within the EFCC revealed that the agency is investigating whether such a large allocation has ever been made by the ministry in previous budgets.
The EFCC is also seeking to understand the purpose of the allocation and how it will be spent, given that the governor already receives a security vote package.
The investigation has been described as a “clear way of trying to find out the truth” and not a “witch hunt.” The EFCC has assured that it will thoroughly investigate the matter and take appropriate action. Report.
EFCC OFFICER SLUMPS, DIES ON LAGOS STREET
Meanwhile, An operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) identified as Remedy Sylvanus Yange has been found dead after collapsing on a street in Lagos State.
He was found lying face-up on the street on sunday, his right hand on his chest with his handbag by his side.
A video circulated online on Monday indicated that the point of death, the operative was decked in a wine colour outfit and was said to have slumped suddenly and died before help could come.
The video shows the lifeless body of the officer being surrounded on a street by sympathisers including some police officers who coordinated a search on the deceased officer’s bag.
Following the search, it was discovered through his identity card that the man was an officer of the EFCC.
A voice in the video said, “He works with EFCC. His ID card is with him.”
The officer reportedly slumped abruptly while on a leave from work to spend time with his family who stays in Lagos.
Yange who was working at the Benue Office of the anti-graft body was in Lagos on a short vacation to be with his family.
He was said to be an outstanding operative known for his involvement in the investigation and prosecution of many fraudulent cases.
Confirming the officer’s death on Monday, the spokesperson for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, disclosed that the incident was under investigation.
“Yes, the man is our officer. His death is being investigated. The incident happened on Sunday,” Oyewale said.
The anti-graft agency had on January 15 lost one of its operatives when a suspected Yahoo boy, Joshua Ikechukwu, shot an Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, Aminu Salisu, during a raid in the Onitsha area of Anambra State.
The operatives, who had travelled from the EFCC’s zonal headquarters in Enugu, were said to be on a mission to apprehend a group of suspected cyber criminals when they were ambushed.
Oyewale, who condemned negative narratives about the officer’s killing, stressed that the commission would ensure justice is served.
