In a dramatic turn of events, Alhaji Jubril Momoh, the former Accountant General of Kogi State, has sought refuge in the Presidential Lodge of the Kogi State Government House in Lokoja. This development comes amid the ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into the alleged withdrawal of over ₦46 billion from Kogi State government bank accounts.
According to sources within the government house, Momoh’s decision to move into the Presidential Lodge is a bid to evade potential arrest and detention, similar to that of two high-ranking officials from Kogi State, Abdulsalami Hudu and Umar Oricha, who are currently being held at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.
It will be recall that former Governor Yahaya Bello has been a refugee in the State Government Lodge for almost 5 months now, the government house is now a refugee camp for people evading arrest from prosecution.
The EFCC had obtained a court order from the Federal High Court in Abuja to arrest Hudu and Oricha, who are accused of involvement in the alleged fraudulent withdrawal of state funds. Justice Emeka Nwite issued the arrest warrant in response to an ex-parte motion filed by the EFCC, suit number: FHC/ABJ/CS/909/2024.
The unfolding drama in Kogi State has raised significant concerns about financial mismanagement and corruption within the state government. As the investigation continues, many are left wondering if more officials will be implicated in the scandal.