Abuja: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday handed over a recovered sum of N279 million to Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts (former National Theatre), Lagos.
This was disclosed by EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, in a statement issued in Abuja.
He explained that handing over the funds aligns with the commission’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption and recover misappropriated public funds.
The ceremony was held at the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Ikoyi.
Providing background, Oyewale stated that in 2009, a petition was received from Kabir Yusuf, former General Manager/CEO of the National Theatre, against Prince Benjamin Apugo and others.
“The petitioner alleged that a contract valued at N299,707,828.00 was awarded through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation to Techno Exportstroy Nig. Limited to the construction of five gates, sand filling, and reclamation works at the National Theatre. This contract specified these deliverables as part of the theatre’s infrastructure improvements.”
”The contract was for the construction of five gates, sand filling, and reclamation works at the National Theatre,” he said.
Oyewale, however, said investigations later revealed that the suspect, Yusuf Atai, in his capacity as Acting General Manager of the National Theatre, released N334,229,794.24 to the contractor.
This payment exceeded the original contract sum by N34,521,966.00.
He said that further investigations showed that the contractor had executed only N55,910,744.00, leaving an outstanding balance of N243,799,132.25 for unexecuted work.
The suspect did not refund the excess payment of N34,521,966.00, Oyewale said.
Upon the conclusion of investigations, the suspect was charged in court.
During the trial, N279,000,000.00 was recovered from the defendant for the complainant.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede reaffirmed the commission’s resolve to ensure that public funds are properly accounted for and returned to their rightful owners.
Olukoyede was represented by the Acting Zonal Director, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Ikoyi, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE I Bawa Kaltungo,
He urged the Centre’s management to use the recovered funds judiciously.
“We worked hard to recover this money for you, and it should be used solely for its intended purpose after you receive it from us.
We have asked you to outline your plans for the funds, and you should also know that we will monitor their utilisation.
”Nigerians have always sought to know what the Commission does with recovered funds,” he said.
He said the Commission plans to periodically inspect the project funded by the recovered money.
“We will visit occasionally to monitor work progress. Our eagle eyes remain on the project.
He added, “Do not tamper with these funds. Use them for the benefit of Nigeria and all of us.”
Jatto Kabiru, Head of Finance and Accounts at the National Theatre, collected the bank drafts on behalf of the Centre.
He thanked the Commission for its efforts and promised the funds would be used appropriately.
“We deeply appreciate the recovery of these funds for us.
The EFCC stands as one of Nigeria’s most reliable law enforcement agencies.
He assured that the money would be used judiciously.
