The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Nigeria has been instrumental in tackling corruption, especially among high-profile politicians and former governors. Below is a closer look at six ex-governors and politicians allegedly tied with EFCC as compiled by Naijassador.
1. Joshua Dariye (Plateau State)
Joshua Dariye former governor of Plateau State was born on July 27, 1957 and served as governor from 1999 to 2007. His government has been focused on enhancing the infrastructure of the state and strengthening its public school system. But his administration was beset by institutional difficulties, including escalating ethnic violence and claims of corruption.
He was impeached in 2007 and subsequently embroiled in legal rows over allegations of embezzlement and money laundering. Accused of diverting N1.16 billion state funds. He was convicted in 2018 on charges of embezzlement involving some $1. 16 billion and sentenced to 14 years, a term later cut to 10 years. He was freed on April 14 2022, following a pardon by the president.
2. Jolly Nyame (Taraba State)
Jolly Nyame is a Nigerian politician and former governor of Taraba State. The governor, who served as a senator from 1993 until his election as governor in 1999, was born on December 25, 1955. Nyame’s time in office was overshadowed by corruption scandals, and he was convicted in 2018. He was sentenced to 14 years in jail for illegally funnelling state funds.
His sentence, however, would soon be reduced to 12 years. Controversial as his legacy may be, Nyame is still an important figure in Nigerian politics—at the very least a symbol of some of the complexities and challenges surrounding governance and accountability. He was also granted a presidential pardon on 14th April 2022 along with Joshua Dariye and has since been released.
3. Ayo Fayose (Ekiti State)
Ayo Fayose, a dynamic but controversial Nigerian politician was born on November 15, 1960 and served as the Governor of Ekiti State in two non-consecutive terms (2003–2006 and 2014-2018). As a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Fayose was best known for his populist style and close grassroots connections.
It was a series of significant infrastructure projects as well as controversies, including corruption allegations that marked his tenure. But the EFCC claimed he allegedly got N1.2 billion. It was established in May 2017 that he had misappropriated state funds. He is currently on trial, and refusing to testify for what he claims is political persecution.
4. Timipre Sylva (Bayelsa State)
Timipre Sylva who was born on July 7, 1964, is a Nigerian politician and former governor of Bayelsa State. He also made a major mark in Nigerian politics. Sylva was governor between 2007 and 2012. Meanwhile, he is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and has served in various capacities within the party. Sylva was accused of misappropriating N19.5 billion during his tenure. The case was initially thrown out in 2012 because of errors by prosecution but the Supreme Court ordered a retrial last year. There is no word yet on the retrial.
5. Yahaya Bello (Kogi State)
Yahaya Bello is a businessman and politician who served as governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2024. He is the youngest individual to have ever been elected governor of Nigeria under the All Progressives Congress party. Following his studies in accounting and business administration, he got into politics, and four years later, he got his way and was appointed governor. Bello had shown interest in the 2023 presidential race before failing to secure the party’s ticket. The governor’s tenure was controversial, and there have been charges of corruption as a consequence, which were taken to court. However, the EFCC later accused him of looting N80 billion in funds along with associates. The case is pending, with Bello having denied the charges.
6. James Ibori
James Ibori, the controversial ex-governor was in charge of Delta State, Nigeria from 1999 to 2007. His relationship with the country’s EFCC was often said to be rocky, as he had been accused of embezzling billions of naira during his time in office.
That same conduct ultimately led to 170 separate charges being filed against him. Initially, a Nigerian Court threw them out. But Ibori lived in the UK, which prosecuted him for money laundering. In 2012, a British court found him guilty of money laundering and exposed millions siphoned off in kickbacks while he worked as a minister. He spent 13 years in a British jail. The EFCC said it would seek to retry him after he returned to Nigeria, but it is not clear what will come of that effort.
Conclusion
The EFCC’s efforts to hold powerful figures accountable are crucial for curbing corruption. However, ensuring swift and fair trials while respecting due process remains a critical aspect of the fight against corruption. These are just a few examples, highlighting the complexities of prosecuting ex-governors in Nigeria. The length of trials, accusations of political witch hunts, and the influence wielded by such figures all contribute to the challenges.
Written by Sarah Aboje
