Tension as Amaechi’s N96bn fraud probe begins

The Supreme Court has approved a probe into Amaechi’s pending N96billion fraud probe, ENigeria Newspaper reports.

The Supreme Court has finally dismissed a petition attempting to halt a planned investigation into a N96 billion scam reportedly involving Rotimi Amaechi, the former Minister of Transportation, while he was the Governor of Rivers State.

The appeal court, in a unanimous decision by a five-man panel of Justices, dismissed the suit on Friday, stating that there was no cause to halt the investigation into the All Progressives Congress presidential hopeful.

Amaechi’s lawsuit had been initially dismissed at the High Court of Rivers State and the Court of Appeal, leading his appeal to the Supreme Court. He is attempting to halt an investigation into the suspected sale of N96 billion in Rivers State assets.

Rotimi-Amaechi

Governor Nyesom Wike, who is now in office, has set up a seven-member investigative group to look into Amaechi’s asset sales. Wike asked the panel to investigate whether the sale of the state’s valued assets was legal or not.

Omoku Gas Turbine, Afam Gas Turbine, Trans Amadi Gas Turbine, Eleme Gas Turbine, Olympia Hotel, and the award of contract for the implementation of monorail project are among the mentioned valuable assets.

On Friday, however, Justice Adamu Jauro, who read the lead judgment, found Amaechi’s appeal to be without merit and dismissed it.
The court also imposed a N1 million fine on the presidential candidate.