We're probing Aregbesola over alleged Local Government funds Diversion – EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, may have started investigation into the allegation of diversion of local government funds leveled against the administration of Rauf Aregbesola.

EFCC’s Zonal Head, Ibadan, Akaninyene Ezima, said this in a letter of invitation sent to the Civil Societies Coalition for the Emancipation of Osun State.

According to the EFCC’s letter of invitation disclosed by the Chairman of CSCEOS, Mr. Sulaiman Adeniyi, the anti-corruption agency invited the group to come and clarify some areas in the petition.

The EFCC’s letter, dated May 13, 2016, with reference No: CR: 3000/EFCC/IB/T.B/VOL.1/79 was titled, “Investigation Activities: Acknowledgement/Invitation letter.”

The invitation letter read, “This is to acknowledge the receipt of your petition dated April 4, 2016, captioned Report of Illegal Diversion of 30 Local Governments’ monthly allocations by the Osun State Governor, Mr. Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola.

“Why Civil Societies Coalition for the Emancipation of Osun State is calling for investigation and stoppage of Releasing of Local Government monthly allocations to Osun State through Mr. Rauf Aregbesola and to inform you that investigation has commenced.

“In view of the above, you are hereby requested to report to the EFCC Zonal Office at No.16 Revd. Oyebode Crescent, Iyaganku, G.R.A., Ibadan, for an interview with the undersigned through the Head, Team B, on May 17, 2016, at 10am prompt.”

The governor and some of his aides were accused of diverting LG allocations by the human rights group in a petition to President Muhammadu Buhari.

The group had claimed that the governor suspended democratic structure in the councils and had mismanaged funds allocated to them.

The governor's team said all spending are done by the books and they are ready to show facts, anytime.