EFCC Arrests, Detains Nigeria’s Ex-SGF, Babachir Lawal

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday arrested and detained the immediate past Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, for alleged fraud to the tune of N223m.

It was learnt that Lawal arrived at the Abuja office of the EFCC around 11am on Wednesday after which he was detained.

Mr. Lawal was recently sacked after he was indicted by a presidential panel that investigated misuse of funds meant for people displaced by Boko Haram.

He had earlier been indicted by the Senate.

Confirming to Channels Television, the EFCC Acting Head of Media and Publicity, Mr Samin Amaddin, said the former SGF is cooperating with investigators and has been making useful statements.


He added that his interview with the anti-corruption agency would continue on Thursday.

Mr Lawal’s appearance at the EFCC custody comes about three months after he was sacked by President Muhammadu Buhari for allegedly violating the due process in the award of contracts under the Presidential Initiative on the North East (PINE).

Although the former SGF was earlier suspended on April 20, 2017, the President had appointed Mr Boss Mustapha on October 30, 2017, to replace Lawal.

The Presidency had, however, been hit with heavy criticism that the former SGF must be investigated after being sacked.