The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested former Plateau State House of Assembly Speaker Moses Thomas Sule and 14 ex-legislators over alleged money laundering involving luxury vehicles worth N4.5 billion (£4.2 million).
Those arrested include Gwottson Fom, Sani Abubakar, Jwe Philip Gwom, Thomas Dantong, Happiness Mathew Akawu, Cornelius Dotyok, Agbalak Ibrahim, Danjuma Azi, Fwangje Bala Ndat, Salome Tanimu Wanglet, Namba Rimuyat, Nimchak Rims, Ishaku Maren and Paul Datugun.
The EFCC said concerned citizens reported the former legislators for violating the Money Laundering Act 2022 and procurement process abuse.
Investigations revealed the lawmakers served only six months before receiving luxury vehicles valued at N2.5 billion in their official capacity. However, they allegedly kept the vehicles after leaving office despite requirements to return them.
“All efforts to retrieve them have proved abortive,” the EFCC stated on social media.
The state government subsequently purchased replacement vehicles worth N2 billion for current assembly members.
The former Speaker and co-accused face imminent court charges as investigations continue into the procurement irregularities.