Why EFCC arrested Reuben Abati, Bala Mohammed

A day after they were arrested, more details have emerged about why two appointees of former President Goodluck Jonathan were detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Reuben Abati, a former presidential spokesman, and Bala Mohammed, a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, were arrested by EFCC operatives on Monday, few hours apart.

On Tuesday evening, EFCC sources told PREMIUM TIMES that Mr. Abati received N50 million from the embattled former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.

The sources said Mr. Abati admitted taken the amount and explained how he spent it.

Mr. Abati reportedly told investigators that he spent the N50 million on media relations that had to do with his work as a media adviser for Mr. Jonathan.

But when asked for evidence of how the money was spent, he reportedly said such details were not documented

“He said media relations details are not documented,” a source said.

Mr. Abati is expected to remain in the EFCC custody for the second night.
The commission on Tuesday officially said Mr. Abati was answering questions on his role in the NSA funds.

“He is currently presently telling operatives of the commission his role in the alleged mismanagement of the nation’s resources through his office,” the anti-graft agency said on its Twitter handle on Tuesday.

On his part, Mr. Mohammed was arrested for alleged land racketeering.

EFCC sources said the agency was acting on petitions from the public about how he allegedly sold government lands to some individuals and collected payment in cash.

He was also asked to justify his wealth, sources said.

Like Mr. Abati, he would be spending the second night in custody.