EFCC Arrests Ex-Plateau Speaker, 14 Former Lawmakers Over Alleged ₦2.5 Billion Vehicle Fraud

By Abiola Olawale | Nigeria Time News

ABUJA, Nigeria — June 19, 2025 — In a major crackdown on public sector corruption, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Moses Thomas Sule, along with 14 other ex-lawmakers, over an alleged ₦2.5 billion fraud involving luxury government vehicles.

The EFCC disclosed the arrests in a statement issued Wednesday in Abuja by its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale. According to Oyewale, the suspects were apprehended by operatives from the EFCC’s Makurdi Zonal Directorate on Tuesday after the Commission received a series of petitions from concerned citizens in Plateau State.

The agency said its investigation revealed the suspects may have violated the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and were involved in procurement violations and improper handling of state assets.

Details of the Alleged Fraud Scheme

According to the EFCC, the group of former legislators, who only served a brief six-month term in 2023, were issued several high-end government vehicles for official duties during their tenure.

“These vehicles, collectively valued at ₦2.5 billion, were provided by the state government for official use,” the statement read. “However, upon the expiration of their tenure, the vehicles were neither returned nor accounted for, contrary to standard public service protocols.”

Efforts by the state government to retrieve the vehicles were unsuccessful, prompting authorities to purchase a new fleet of vehicles for the incoming assembly members at an additional cost of ₦2 billion, thereby escalating the state’s financial burden.

Names of the Arrested Ex-Lawmakers

The former Plateau Speaker, Moses Thomas Sule, is reportedly at the center of the investigation. Alongside him, the following individuals were named as co-suspects in the scandal:

• Gwottson Fom
• Sani Abubakar
• Jwe Gwom
• Timothy Dantong
• Happiness Akawu
• Cornelius Doeyok
• Agbalak Ibrahim
• Danjuma Azi
• Fwangje Ndat
• Salome Waklet
• Namba Rimuyat
• Nimchak Rims
• Ishaku Maren
• Paul Datugun

EFCC Vows Full Prosecution

The EFCC has pledged to ensure that due process is followed and that justice will be served if the suspects are found guilty. “Upon the conclusion of investigations, the suspects will be charged to court,” Oyewale confirmed.

The anti-corruption agency emphasized that its investigation is focused not just on the unlawful retention of government property, but also on broader violations, including breaches of the nation’s procurement laws and attempts to frustrate the recovery of public assets.

A Growing Trend in Vehicle-Related Public Corruption

Analysts suggest that this case mirrors a broader pattern across Nigeria, where public officials routinely take away government-issued property—particularly luxury vehicles—after their tenure without proper authorization or compensation to the government.

“This is not just about stolen vehicles,” said Dr. Kabiru Oladele, a public policy expert based in Abuja. “It’s a symptom of a systemic problem where public service is seen as a gateway to personal enrichment rather than a call to serve.”

Implications for Plateau State and National Governance

The scandal has reignited public debate about accountability in state legislatures and the culture of entitlement among elected officials. With Plateau State already grappling with significant fiscal challenges, the loss of ₦2.5 billion in public assets—plus another ₦2 billion to replace them—represents a major economic setback.

“This is a serious breach of trust,” said Ruth Ijeoma, an activist with the Coalition for Good Governance. “We demand that those responsible be held accountable, and that the funds be recovered for the benefit of the people.”

Next Steps: Prosecution and Recovery

Legal experts note that if found guilty, the former lawmakers could face stiff penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and asset forfeiture under the Money Laundering Act and other relevant laws.

The EFCC, meanwhile, has hinted that asset recovery will be prioritized to ensure the stolen vehicles or their monetary equivalents are returned to Plateau State’s coffers.

“We remain committed to recovering every stolen kobo,” Oyewale concluded. “This Commission will not relent in its mandate to rid Nigeria of public sector corruption.”

Conclusion: A Test Case for Anti-Corruption Reform

The arrest of these high-profile figures sends a strong message that no one is above the law, regardless of their political position or tenure length. As Nigeria battles endemic corruption and struggles to improve public service delivery, the EFCC’s actions in this case may serve as a bellwether for broader reforms in governance and accountability.

Keywords: EFCC arrests Plateau lawmakers, Moses Thomas Sule, ₦2.5 billion fraud, EFCC Makurdi office, Plateau State Assembly corruption, Nigeria anti-corruption news, luxury vehicle scandal Nigeria, public asset theft