EFCC probes alleged diversion of N3b in Kwara State

It added that the money was meant for the operation light-up Kwara project under the administration of Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed, adding that "part of the diverted fund was used to buy a property in Guzape

area of Abuja."

Ilorin Zonal Head of EFCC Isyaku Sharu said this in Ilorin, the state capital during the 'Nigerian youth walk against corruption' protest organised by the anti-graft agency in collaboration with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), organized labour, civil society organizations (CBOs) etc.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq took part in the anti-corruption work which lasted for more than two hours in Ilorin metropolis.

He revealed that zone had in its one year of operation, "48 convictions and the worth of our recoveries both in cash and assets is to the tune of N8.5 billion. Substantial part of this recovery was for the Kwara state government.

"You will recall that during the last international anti-corruption day where Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq commended the EFCC for assisting the state government in recovering N4.8 billion tax refund at the eve of the last handing/taking over. Then you the fund would be part of 2020 budget.

"It is on record that we also handed over N111 million to the governor and as it is we have about N200 million for the state government ready for collection."

State NYSC Director Esther Ikupolati said that "over 2000 corps members participated in today's walk against corruption. Out of this 2000 if 200 of them pick the crusade they will spread the gospel to others."

Ikupolati said: "My charge to the youth (NYSC) is for them to shun corruption. Corruption is the root of all the problems in this

country. Insecurity, kidnapping name it, all have their roots in corruption. If they can shun corruption and we start to talk to them now about the evil of corruption they will not go into it again.

This informed the collaboration of the service and EFCC to organize the rally against corruption nationwide."