EFCC Arrests Ex-Government Contractor Over Alleged N30bn Fraud in Kaduna
Suspect Accused of Defrauding Contractors and Misusing Government Funds
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Bashir Bello Ibrahim, a former Kaduna State government contractor and CEO of Formal Act Legacy Limited, over an alleged N30 billion fraud.
Despite his contract with the state government being terminated, Ibrahim reportedly posed as a consultant for Kaduna’s 23 local government areas and the United Charity Foundation (UCF), misleading victims into believing he could secure intervention grants for development projects.
Details of the Fraud Scheme
Investigations revealed that Ibrahim falsely claimed to have a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kaduna State government to source funding for Local Government Area (LGA) projects. However, the agreement was terminated in October 2023 due to his failure to comply with its terms.
Despite this, he allegedly continued awarding fictitious contracts worth approximately N30 billion, convincing contractors to supply medical equipment, construction materials, and other goods. Instead of delivering these items to the government, he reportedly sold them and diverted the proceeds for personal use.
Recovered Items and Health Concerns
Authorities seized multiple assets from Ibrahim, including:
- Toyota Hilux pickup vans
- Ambulances and buses
- Medical supplies (drugs, vaccines, hospital beds)
- Heavy-duty generators
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Kaduna State Ministry of Health are evaluating the recovered medicines. Some were found to be expired, counterfeit, or improperly stored.
Next Steps
The EFCC is finalizing its investigation, after which Ibrahim will be arraigned in court.
Full credit to the original publisher: The Syndicate