We’re not involved, OSGF says as EFCC links Akume’s aide to N10b fraud

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has distanced himself from his Personal Assistant, Mr Andrew Torhile Uchi, over alleged fraud to the tune of N10 billion.

Already, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is probing Uchi over the said amount, bordering on allegations of corruption, bribery, and money laundering.

A statement from the Director of Information in the SGF’s office, Segun Imohiosen, in Abuja on Monday, distanced Akume from any form of involvement concerning the allegations.

The statement read, “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, bordering 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.”

While appreciating the anti-graft agency for carrying out due diligence on the matter, the statement urged the EFCC to ensure that those found culpable are held accountable.

Uchi has been with the EFCC since Monday last week following an invitation extended to him upon a petition that detailed the properties he acquired in Abuja, Jos, Makurdi, Gboko, and Wannune in Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State, amounting to over N6 billion.

Investigations have so far revealed that between December 2023 and the present, the EFCC has been able to trace about N1.6 billion of the volume of money allegedly used to buy luxury cars through four new-generation banks to nine car dealers in Abuja, Kaduna, Lagos, Jos, and Makurdi, respectively.

It was also gathered that two Bureau de Change operators are under investigation by the EFCC over their alleged involvement in the money laundering scam, as most of the funds credited to the embattled Uchi emanated from their companies.

Further checks indicated that the EFCC is currently working towards obtaining court approval to widen the scope of its investigations into properties in Abuja, Jos, and other parts of the country to ascertain the source of the income and how the properties were purchased.

The suspect, Uchi, is still in EFCC custody and has made some confessions before his interrogators regarding how he allegedly obtained the funds, which are largely believed to be proceeds from bribes.

While urging the public not to speculate or draw conclusions on the matter as investigations are still ongoing, the SGF appreciated the public’s understanding and support regarding the case.