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Orji Kalu and Saminu Turaki arrested by the EFCC

July 11, 2007

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) today arrested former governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu and Saminu Turaki of Jigawa State.


An EFCC source told Saharareporters that the arrest of both former governors marks the beginning of a serious clampdown on former governors who had engaged in the looting of their respective state treasuries.

Orji Uzor Kalu was arrested as soon as he returned from London to Abuja. He was scheduled to meet with Umar Musa Yar'adua on the desire of his party, PPA to join the "Government of National Unity (GNU)" being put in place by Yar'adua. A source at the seat of government in Abuja, told Saharareporters that the former governor had wanted to be a member of the government of national unity as he already nominated himself and one other party member.

The EFCC is also seeking Orji Kalu's mother, Mrs. Eunice Kalu who is believed to be in Texas, US where she awaits eye surgery according to family sources.

The former governor of Jigawa state, who was arrested and detained by the EFCC today, Saminu Turaki is currently a federal senator who took a $100m facility from Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) Plc, the $100m loan was secured with ISPO against monthly allocation from federation account for his INC Natural resources to finance the development of three oil fields given to Saminu Turaki by former president Obasanjo.

He left behind debt obligations of $1b for Jigawa state. His brother, Bashir Turaki who serves as one of his many fronts through three construction companies: Arkel Construction, Gethel Nigeria and Wallang Camco is said to be on the run.

His dubious investments exist in countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Libya, Dubai and Singapore. Before becoming a senator, Saminu Turaki was the governor of Jigawa State and also a money laundering front for former dictator, Sanni Abacha. His support for the “third term” campaign for former president Obasanjo endeared him to the ex-president who was a beneficiary of his generous donations to his (Obasanjo) presidential campaigns.

Both ex-Governors- Orji Uzor Kalu and Saminu Turaki- are detained at the Abuja office of the EFCC.

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