Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has confirmed the arrest of his Personal Assistant, Mr Andrew Torhile Uchi, by the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The Guardian learnt that Uchi was arrested Monday, March 10, 2025 in Abuja while his boss was on an official trip outside the country. The allegations against Uchi, it was gathered, hinged on bribery, money laundering and fraud, amounting to 10 billion naira.

Although when The Guardian called the Makurdi office of the EFCC over the weekend to confirm the arrest of the SGF aide, the head, Public Affairs of the Makurdi zonal command Bayo Adeniran replied that he would not “speak on the matter for now”.

However, the SGF in a terse statement signed by the Director, Information and Public Relations, office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, acknowledged the arrest of Uchi but distanced the SGF from the scandal.

“The attention of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) has been drawn to the ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) involving Hon. Andrew Torhile Uchi, Personal Assistant to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation bothering on allegations of corruption, bribery, and money laundering.”

“It is imperative to state categorically that the office leadership is not in any way involved in the alleged misconduct as it has always maintained a strong commitment to transparency, accountability and integrity. We recognise the efforts of the EFCC on this matter to ensure that those found culpable are held accountable.”