EFCC Quizzes Adamawa Ex-Deputy Governor, Murtala Nyako On The Run

Former Adamawa State deputy governor Bala Ngilari was yesterday quizzed by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at its Abuja headquarters over allegations of fraud.

Spokesman for the commission Wilson Uwujaren confirmed that the ex-deputy governor, who resigned his position ahead of the impeachment of Governor Murtala Nyako last week, responded to invitation by the anti-graft agency. Ngilari was questioned on his security votes and his role in the alleged misappropriation of funds, according to sources.

“His (Nyako) deputy was with us earlier today and interacted with operatives. He was invited in connection with some allegations leveled against his principal,” Uwujaren said.

The EFCC spokesman said Ngilari was released after about three hours of questioning.

He also said one of the several bank accounts belonging to the state government frozen prior to the impeachment has been opened for normal banking transactions.

“One of the accounts, the salary account, has been ‘defrozen’ so government can pay workers salary,” he said.

The anti-graft agency is planning to declare Nyako wanted over allegations of misappropriation of state funds even as the former governor is said to have escaped to Europe. EFCC resolved  to declare him wanted because he has been elusive after being trailed for several days by operatives looking out to arrest him.

“Governor is not on the run. He left Yola on the same day of the impeachment. I don’t know where he is at the moment. I am now in my own house. It is wrong to say he is on the run.” Nyako’s spokesman Ahmed Sajoh had said earlier.