The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is reportedly probing the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu over an alleged contract scam.
According to a report on 247ureports.com, the anti-graft agency is also investigating some ministry officials over the construction of perimeter fencing at the Federal University, Gusau, Zamfara State.
The report added that the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Magaji Garba, has been arrested by EFCC officials over the alleeged contract scam.
According to EFCC correspondence to the education ministry obtained by the news platform, the EFCC confirmed the VC’s arrest for the contract fraud.
It noted that Garba is presently at the holding cell of the EFCC in Abuja where he is being further investigated.
The EFCC said the VC allegedly connived with some officials of the education ministry to execute the failed perimeter fencing contract which cost N3 billion.
In a first letter signed by the EFCC Acting Director of Operations, Umar Hadejia, titled, “Investigation activities: Construction of perimeter fence Phase 1 of Federal University Gusau”, and dated January 6, 2021, the agency addressed the education minister directly.
The EFCC said, “The commission is investigating a case of contract scam in which the need for clarification from your office has become imperative. In furtherance to the investigation, you are kindly requested to furnish us with the following information; confirm if a contact was awarded and approved for the construction of a perimeter fence at Federal University, Gusau, Zamfara State.
“Two, if the above is affirmative, confirm the status of the projects, details of payments and outstanding if any.”
In the second letter, titled, “Arrest of Vice-Chancellor, Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State,” signed by the same EFCC official, the agency wrote, “In the course of investigation, an undoubtedly prima facie case of obtaining money by false pretences and contract scam was established against the aforementioned. Accordingly, he has been detained and further development will be communicated to your office.”