By Emmanuel Kwada
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Gudaji Kazaure, a former House of Representatives member, over allegations of receiving N70 million from ex-Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele. The arrest, executed on Wednesday in Kano, followed a High Court’s decision to lift a restraining order that had previously shielded Kazaure from the anti-graft agency.
Kazaure, who represented Kazaure, Roni, Gwiwa, and Yankwashi Federal Constituency of Jigawa State, is accused of accepting N20 million in two tranches through an emissary named Mr. Eric, purportedly to purchase “Sallah Rams.”
Additionally, he allegedly received N50 million as a “donation” from Emefiele after a fire incident at his residence, according to an EFCC source cited by Daily Nigerian.
The former lawmaker, currently detained at the EFCC’s Kano office, may be transferred to Abuja to face formal charges. This arrest marks a significant escalation in the EFCC’s probe into financial misconduct tied to Emefiele’s tenure at the CBN.
He accused the former CBN governor of overseeing the disappearance of N89.1 trillion in Stamp Duty charges
Kazaure’s history with Emefiele is contentious. In December 2022, he accused the former CBN governor of overseeing the disappearance of N89.1 trillion in Stamp Duty charges. Kazaure claimed he was blocked from presenting a preliminary report from a presidential committee investigating the issue.
The presidency, via then-spokesman Garba Shehu, dismissed the allegations, stating the committee had been dissolved.
As the EFCC tightens its grip, this high-profile case continues to unravel, raising questions about political and financial accountability in Nigeria’s corridors of power.
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