The 21 ex-governors being investigated by Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission have been linked.
A very reliable source at the ICPC told our correspondent on Friday in Abuja that the commission had set up a three-man committee to scrutinise petitions linking the ex-governors with funds, property and other assets worth over N120bn. Our correspondent also gathered that the commission had concluded arrangements to engage an undisclosed number of experienced lawyers as prosecutors.
The source said, �Funds in bank accounts, property and other assets being mentioned in the petitions are worth more than N120bn, but there are many areas that require being verified.�
The commission had said on Thursday that it was investigating 21 ex-governors and two serving state chief executives for corruption. Some of the former governors are currently being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for various acts of corruption.
Also, our correspondent gathered that in anticipation of the trial of any the ex-governors and their associates found culpable, the commission had concluded arrangements to engage an undisclosed number of senior lawyers as prosecutors.
However, when contacted for comments, the commission�s Resident Media Consultant, Mr. Folu Olamiti, insisted that it was not feasible to attempt an immediate assessment of the total value of the former governors� alleged loot. He said, �There are several petitions and you cannot jump the gun by putting a value on alleged loot or ascribing guilt. Some of the petitions may end up as mere instruments of political harassment while others may yield even more details beyond the assets mentioned. We all have to wait and see the conclusions that could be drawn from the ICPC investigators� work.�
Also, the ICPC�s Head of Public Enlightenment, Mr. Mike Sowe, declined to make comments on plans for the engagement of additional counsels to help prosecute cases on Saturday. Sowe, who stated that only the ICPC Chairman, Justice Emmanuel Ayoola (rtd), could disclose the number of lawyers to be engaged, however, confirmed that a new building had been completed at the ICPC national headquarters for the use of the new prosecutors.
He said, �We have finished the construction and furnishing of an office, for the new prosecuting counsel, within the national headquarters. But the issue of when they will begin work and how many they are going to be can only be determined by the ICPC chairman.�
Our correspondent also gathered at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission that the process of engaging at least four Senior Advocates to strengthen its work had reached an advanced stage.
On Saturday, the EFCC�s spokesman, Mr. Femi Babafemi, who confirmed the development to our correspondent in Abuja, He said, �At the moment, I can confirm that we are about to engage the services of at least four Senior Advocates to handle the prosecution of some cases for us and facilitate speedy trials. But we do not want to give you the names now because their screening processes has not been fully completed.�