Igbinedion still in EFCC custody after three nights

Former governor of Edo State Lucky Igbinedion is yet to be released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) since officials began questioning him over alleged N1.6bn fraud on Thursday.

A source confirmed to PUNCH that Igbinedion was still in the anti-graft agency’s custody as of Saturday night.

Igbinedion was taken in to give explanation on alleged criminal diversion of the money belonging to the state while he was governor between 1999 and 2007.

The ex-governor was convicted in 2008 after pleading guilty to money laundering. A Federal High Court in Enugu ordered him to return N500m and three houses to the Federal Government as part of his plea bargain.

The court sentenced him to six months’ imprisonment with the option of a N3.5 million fine.

The fresh evidence against Igbinedion alleges N1.6bn loan was misappropriated and allegedly used in settling debts incurred by his private firm.