On Monday, George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), distanced himself from the ongoing fraud investigation of Andrew Uchi, his personal assistant, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Uchi is currently being detained and questioned by the anti-graft agency over allegations of corruption, bribery and money laundering amounting to N10 billion.

Among other things, Akume’s PA has been accused of acquiring properties worth over N6 billion in Abuja, Plateau State and Benue State.

Two Bureau de Change operators are also being investigated for their involvement in Uchi’s money laundering scheme.

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“The attention of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation has been drawn to the ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission involving Hon. Andrew Torhile Uchi, Personal Assistant to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, regarding allegations of corruption, bribery and money laundering,” a Monday statement issued by the SGF’s office reads in part.

“It is imperative to state categorically that the office’s leadership is not in any way involved in the alleged misconduct, as it has always maintained a strong commitment to transparency, accountability and integrity. We recognise the efforts of the EFCC to ensure that those found culpable are held accountable.”

Interestingly, the Benue State Government in 2021 petitioned the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), accusing Akume himself of misappropriating N4.6 billion while he was governor of the state between 1999 and 2007.

The letter of complaint which was generated from an audit report for the period 1999 – 2007 said Akume unilaterally approved the sum of N117 million for consultancy and feasibility study for Mbatiav Cement, a state-owned cement manufacturing company that was supposed to be situated in Gboko.

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The amount Akume was accused of approving was above his approval limit and Mbatiav Cement also turned out to be a white elephant project that never saw the light of the day.

The petition also accused Akume of misappropriating funds for various other contracts that amounted to N3.13 billion.

The state government, led by former governor Samuel Ortom, also accused Akume of claiming to have executed “many projects worth N1.074 billion”, but there was no evidence of their execution anywhere within the state.

There was no proof either anti-graft agencies invited Akume for questioning at the time the petition was sent to them.