Officers of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) have arrested Bukola Saraki, the immediate past President of the Nigerian Senate over alleged theft and laundering of public funds up to hundreds of millions of naira and several thousands in foreign currency.

Although his political associates are denying news of the arrest, FIJ understands that he was taken into custody at about 2pm on Saturday.

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Saraki allegedly perpetrated the crime as Governor of Kwara state, using a network of cronies and proxy companies under the guise of executing contracts for the state.

As president of the Nigerian Senate, Saraki had appeared in court several times over allegations of corruption and false declaration of asset until the the Supreme Court acquitted him in June 2018.

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Following fresh moves by the EFCC to probe his earnings as Kwara State Governor between 2003 and 2011, Saraki filed two separate suits, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/507/19 and FHC/ABJ/CS/508/19, to challenge the commission.

On Wednesday, July 14, the EFCC told Justice Anwuli Chikere of the Federal High Court, Abuja, that the action of the former governor had been shielding him from probe.