N2.88bn scam: EFCC makes another major arrest, whisks away governor’s top aide

– The EFCC has arrested AbdurRahman Abba Jimeta, a top aide of Governor Muhammadu Jibrilla of Adamawa state

– Jimeta is alleged to have been involved in a scam amounting to over N2.88billion for the renovation of Yola International hotel

– An EFCC source confirmed the arrest but declined further comment

– A close associate of Jimeta said he was only invited over a plot of land that he bought from Jafaru Malik

AbdurRahman Abba Jimeta, a top aide of Governor Muhammadu Jibrilla of Adamawa state, has been whisked away by officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Vanguard reports that Jimeta, the chief of staff to the governor and former governor, Murtala Nyako, is allegedly involved in a scam amounting to over N2.88billion for the renovation of Yola International hotel.

The contract was said to have been awarded during the tenure of Nyako.

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The arrest was confirmed by an impeccable source in the anti-graft agency.

“Yes, he is being interrogated over some issues, but you know you can get details as I am not authorized to talk press,” the source said.

Also speaking, a close associate of the detained chief of staff who preferred anonymity said he was only invited over a plot of land that he bought from Jafaru Malik.

“They took him to Gombe to show prove of ownership, I wonder how people peddle rumour,” he added.

Jimeta’s property along Karewa road, opposite Bekaji Housing Estate was reportedly sealed off by the EFCC.

Report has it that the contract for the renovation of the hotel was reviewed upward almost three times, and the payment were categorized into nine installments where the government then paid up to N2.664 billion and was left with the balance of N204 million.

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A government source who pleaded anonymity said: “But when Jibrilla’s administration came on board, the contract was again reviewed upward, under the supervision of ministry of culture and tourism.”

Recall that the former governor of the state, Nyako, has been undergoing trial on a 37-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, stealing, abuse of office and money laundering to the tune of N29 billion.

He was impeached as Adamawa state governor by the state House of Assembly on July 15, 2014.

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