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Afenifere Demands Akume’s Suspension Over Aide’s Alleged N80bn Fraud

BySodiq Yusuf

PublishedMay 10, 2025

Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has called for the immediate suspension of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, over alleged involvement in a massive N80 billion corruption scandal linked to his aide.

The group made the call in a statement signed by its factional publicity secretary, Dr. Bayo Adenuga, urging President Bola Tinubu to demonstrate his anti-corruption stance by removing Akume from office to allow for an independent investigation.

It will be recalled that operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arrested and interrogated one Mr. Torhile Uchi, a Senior Special Assistant to the President, attached to the office of the SGF.

However, the case has reportedly stalled, with no punishment meted out to the suspect. Many have attributed this to the alleged interference and influence of Senator Akume to shield himself from accountability.

In its statement, Afenifere said, “It is unacceptable that verifiable cases of corruption such as the one superintendent upon by the SGF and his aide will be swept under the carpet during the tenure of an administration that has sworn to fight corruption to a standstill.

“As it is customary, Senator George Akume must be suspended to pave way for a full, free and comprehensive investigation into gross allegations of corruption coordinated in his office and with his full consent. An N80billion crime of money laundering uncovered by the EFCC using taxpayers money cannot be allowed to slip away like that. We demand accountability.”

The group issued a warning to the EFCC to give a public update on the case within seven days or face mass protest.

“We, therefore give EFCC a 7-day ultimatum to update the public on the status of the pending investigation or risk a massive nationwide protest from the Yoruba nation, all lovers of democracy and anti-corruption crusaders.

“Be reminded, Mr. President that Senator George Akume did not just involve himself in a high stake corruption case but he is also blocking law enforcements from doing their job. Babachir Lawal, a former SGF was removed from office for an offence that was little compared to the scandal the SGF has been involved with.

“The EFCC must equally know that Nigerians are watching patiently to know what will happen to the case. This case is indeed a litmus test for the anti graft agency which must not be seen as a toothless bulldog that barks without consequences”, the statement added.

Afenifere reaffirmed its support for the President but warned that shielding appointees involved in corruption would damage his anti-corruption drive.

“Let us remind you, Mr. President that as a group that support your administration’s anti-corruption drive, we owe you a duty to always cooperate with you to prosecute corrupt elements no matter how highly placed they might be. You did that in the case of Beta Edu and recently, NNPCL management. Let this case not be an exception please”, the statement concluded.

Sodiq Yusuf

Sodiq Yusuf is a trained media practitioner and journalist with considerable years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. His interests cover a wide range of causes in politics, governance, sports, community development, and good governance.