The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Friday, handed over a recovered sum of N279 million to Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts (formerly National Theatre), Lagos.

Spokesperson for EFCC, Dele Oyewale, made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

He said that the exercise was part of  the commission’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption and recover misappropriated public funds.

According to him, the handover ceremony took place at the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Ikoyi.

”The commission had, in 2009, received a petition from Kabir Yusuf, former General Manager/CEO of the National Theatre, against Prince Benjamin Apugo and others.

”The petitioner alleged that a contract worth N299,707,828.00 was awarded through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation to Techno Exportstroy Nig. Limited.

”The contract was for the construction of five gates, sand filling, and reclamation works at the National Theatre,” he said.

Mr Oyewale, however, said investigations later revealed that the suspect, Yusuf Atai, in his capacity as acting general manager of the National Theatre, released the sum of N334,229,794.24 to the contractor.

The amount, he said, exceeded the original contract sum by N34,521,966.00.

He said that further investigations showed that the contractor only executed work valued at N55,910,744.00, leaving an outstanding balance of N243,799,132.25 in unexecuted work.

According to him, the suspect also failed to refund the excess payment of N34,521,966.00.

”Upon the conclusion of investigations, the suspect was charged to court.

”During the course of the trial, a total sum of N279,000,000.00 was recovered from the defendant on behalf of the complainant.”

Speaking during the handover ceremony, EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede, reaffirmed the commission’s resolve to ensure that public funds were properly accounted for and returned to their rightful owners.

Mr Olukoyede was represented represented by the acting zonal director, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Ikoyi,  assistant commander of the EFCC,  ACE I Bawa Kaltungo. 

He urged the management of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts to use the recovered funds judiciously.

“We cannot suffer to recover this money for you and then have it used for purposes other than what it is meant for after receiving it from us.

”We have already asked you to tell us what you intend to do with it, and you should know that we will keep an eye on how it is utilised.

”Nigerians have always sought to know what the Commission does with recovered funds,” he said.

He added that the commission would periodically inspect the project for which the funds would be used.

”We will be visiting from time to time to monitor the progress of work. Our eagle eyes will be watching the pace of work.

”Do not tamper with the recovered funds. Use them for the benefit of Nigeria and all of us,” he added.

Jatto Kabiru, head of finance and accounts of the National Theatre, received the bank drafts on behalf of the Centre.

He expressed appreciation to the Commission for recovering the funds and assured that they would be used appropriately.

”We are most grateful for this remarkable feat of recovering this amount of money for us.

”The EFCC is one of Nigeria’s most effective and reliable law enforcement agencies.

“I assure you that the money will be used judiciously,” he said.

(NAN)