The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has charged Abdullahi Yusuf, a Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babagana Zulum, before a Federal High Court over a Facebook post.
Abdullahi was charged for breaching the provisions of the Economic and Financial Crimes Act 2004.
Yusuf had on the 29th of May, 2022, made a post on Facebook alleging that a lawmaker in Borno State might have been involved in the alleged N80 billion fraud involving the Accountant-General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris.
“Breaking News: Rumour has it that a prominent federal lawmaker from Borno may be involved in the 80 billion naira money laundering and diversion saga by the arrested accountant general of the federation Alhaji Ahmad Idris,” was the post the governor’s aide made.
Although Yusuf did not mention names, loyalists to a Borno State lawmaker, Muktari Betera, were said to have gone under the post to allege that Yusuf was referring to the lawmaker.
Meanwhile, the court document reads, “Count 1 That you ABDULLAHI YUSUF (S.A. to the Executive Governor of Borno State on Project documentation) on or before the 30th day of May, 2022 at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did commit an offence by giving false information with respect for an ongoing investigation by Economic and Financial Cimes Commission (EFCC) in your official capacity as S.A. to the Governor when you stated on your Facebook page “Abdullahi Yusuf” to wit: “rumor has it that a prominent Federal lawmaker from Borno may be involved in the N80billion Money Laundering and Diversion Saga by the arrested Accountant General of the Federation, Alhaji Ahmad ldris and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 16(0) of the Economic and Financial Crimes (EStablishment Act, 2004 and Money Punishable under Section 16(2) of the same Act.
“COUNT 2 That you ABDULLAHI YUSUF on or about the 30th day of May, 2022 at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to cause injury to the reputation of Muktar Betara, Member, House of Representative of Federal Republic of Nigeria representing Biu, Bayo and shani Federal Constituency Borno State sent a message through Facebook…”
Confirming the detention of Yusuf, one of his close friends hinted that the Borno lawmaker was behind his ordeal adding that the lawmaker is using his influence as a legislator to witch-hunt the governor’s aide.
