Lack of funds stalls investigation of ex- govs – ICPC

The Acting Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses (ICPC) Abdullahi Bako yesterday said lack of funds has stalled investigations into alleged corruption of about 20 former governors.

Bako made this known in an interview with journalists on the sideline of a one-day anti-corruption colloquium with Business Management Organizations (BMO) and Professional Associations (Pas) in Abuja.

In 2015 it was reported that the ICPC was investigating former governors over alleged corruption and misappropriation of states funds.

Asked about the outcome of the investigation of the governors, Bako said, “That was when they were in office, those governors, the law provides that an independent council is to be appointed to investigate them.

“Unfortunately, the Chief Justice of Nigeria as at that time who was to appoint the independent council had no money to pay for such gigantic operation or assignment.

“That was why nothing was done about it, but the files maybe revisited as soon as possible now that they have left office.”

He further said, “Where prima facia case is established against any of them, they can be taken to court one at a time.”

Earlier in his welcome address, Bako said, the colloquium is organized to carry key stakeholders along in the fight against corruption.