Former Edo governor, Igbinedion arrested by EFCC over ₦1.6bn fraud

Lucky Igbinedion, a former governor of Edo State, has been arrested and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, TopNaija reports.

In January 2008, Igbinedion was first declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on 142 counts of financial fraud. This concerns allegations that he embezzled US$24 million (£12m) using front companies. He handed himself over later that month.

Authoritative reports now have it that Igbinedion who finished his tenure as governor in 2007 is being grilled at the Abuja headquarters of the EFCC for allegedly diverting public funds to the tune of N1.6 billion.

A loan obtained by the Edo State government is said to have been diverted to a company which he has an interest in.

Igbinedion was prosecuted in 2008 by the EFCC and convicted of embezzling N2.9 billion belonging to Edo State.

He was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to a one count charge which was pruned from 191 charges.

The latest invitation was confirmed by the spokesman of the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren who failed to give more details.

Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion was elected governor of Edo State in April 1999 Edo State gubernatorial election under PDP and was reelected in 2003. He and his deputy, Mike Oghiadomhe, held office from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2007.

During the period of his governorship, he established the Edo State Polytechnic Usen and was elected by his colleagues as Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF).