By; SAMSON YAKI, Lafia
Two security aides and a Protocol Officer in the office of the Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, are cooling off in police custody for stealing money belonging to foreign investors in the state
They were alleged to have conspired and stolen the money in US Dollars before the Christmas break from the Deputy Governor’s office.
A close aide of the Deputy Governor who confirmed the incident said the amount stolen was equivalent to ₦20 million.
The aide who spoke under condition of anonymity yesterday, said the trio (names withheld) stole the money and shared amongst themselves with the security aides getting the lion share.
“The security aides bought vehicle and motorcycle for themselves while the protocol officer bought a house with his share of ₦3.5 million.
“The money in foreign currency belong to foreign investors interested in Lithium mining in the state.
“They left the money inside a bag at the Deputy Governor’s office after a meeting involving three companies involved in mining right dispute over sites in Nasarawa LGA of the State chaired by Dr Akabe.
“I think the money was left in the deputy governor’s office to set him up and indict him in a bribery scandal in order to rubbish his image for refusing to compromise or do their bidding,” the source, stated further.
Acting on the alleged theft, an independent investigation was launched by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, which confirmed the involvement of the trio in the act. They have since confessed to the crime and explained how the money was shared amongst themselves.
“The Deputy Governor has given them ultimatum to return the money as stolen in dollars so that it would be given to the owner.
“The concerned security authorities are currently handling the matter,” the source added.
Efforts to reach the office of the Deputy Governor for comment over the matter proved abortive at press time.
The two security aides involved however, belong to the Nigeria Police Force and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
