By Mohammed Bello Doka
In a monumental victory against corruption, the Abuja Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has successfully recovered and handed over documents for 324 houses valued at N4.1 billion to Kano state pensioners. This momentous occasion comes following a final forfeiture order granted by Justice I.E. Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja, marking the culmination of diligent investigations into a N4.1 billion Pension Trust Fund fraud.
The investigation, sparked by a petition from Concerned Kano State Workers and Pensioners, unearthed a disturbing misappropriation of pension funds by two successive administrations in Kano State. It was revealed that out of a total N41 billion allocated for building housing estates, the Pension Trust Fund was swindled out of their rightful contribution of N4.1 billion. Instead of fulfilling their promise to provide housing for the pensioners, the funds were illicitly diverted, leading to the construction of incomplete houses and the sale of properties to cronies and associates of former governors.
Stepping in to rectify this injustice, the EFCC meticulously pursued legal avenues, resulting in the acquisition of a final forfeiture order for the 324 properties. On March 18, 2024, representatives from the EFCC, led by Assistant Commander ACE I Adeniyi Adebayo, handed over the documents to representatives of the Kano State Pension Board. Alhaji Hassan Muhammed Aminu, Kubra Ahmad Bichi, and Salisu Yakubu Abubakar, expressed profound gratitude to the EFCC for their unwavering commitment to justice and for restoring the pensioners' rightful ownership of their homes.
This significant milestone serves as a testament to the EFCC's dedication to combating corruption and ensuring that the hard-earned assets of Nigerian citizens are safeguarded. As the fight against fraudulent practices continues, the EFCC remains steadfast in its mission to uphold integrity and accountability across the nation.
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