The Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, Ferdinand Ekeoma, on Thursday, disclosed the arrest of Mr. Onyekachi Success Nwabueze, a civil servant with the state government.
According to Ekeoma, Mr. Nwabueze was taken into custody on Wednesday by the State Security Service on charges of fraud, impersonation, criminal conversion of pension funds, and economic sabotage.
In an official statement, Ekeoma revealed that an interim investigation report confirmed that Mr. Nwabueze is a member of a notorious syndicate specialized in stealing pension funds. These funds are supposed to be for retired workers, but Mr. Nwabueze and others allegedly took millions of naira for themselves.
Mr. Nwabueze has reportedly admitted to the crime and is helping authorities find other members of the group, some of whom are still on the run.
The Abia State Government has assured the public that Mr. Nwabueze and anyone else involved in the crime will be treated fairly under the law. The government further emphasized its commitment to justice, transparency, stopping corruption and protecting public funds.
“Mr. Nwabueze and any other persons arrested in connection with this crime will be treated fairly in security custody and in compliance with the law,” Ekeoma stated.
He also noted that Security agencies will continue to work with Mr. Nwabueze to dismantle the syndicate and ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice.