The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested a Supervisory Councillor for Agriculture in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State, Umar Ibrahim; and four others for the alleged diversion of 300 bags of rice donated by Danish Refugee Council, a Non-Governmental Organisation and meant for Internally Displayed Persons in the council.
The EFCC said in a statement by its spokesman, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, that the arrest was triggered by intelligence report.
Others arrested along with the councillor are: Bulama Ali Zangebe , Modu Bulama, Halilu Abdullahi and Abacha Ali.
According to some of the suspects, the Caretaker Chairman of Mafa Local Government, Shettima Maina, allegedly instructed the sale of the rice to the duo of Alhaji Lawan Ibrahim of Bolori Stores and Umar Salisu at the rate of N8,500 per bag.
Maina and two other suspects are still at large.
The World Food Programme had asked the EFCC to ensure transparency in the administration of relief to displaced persons.
An Assistant Executive Director, WFP, Roberto DaSilva, had urged the EFCC to ensure credibility and accountability in the disbursement of funds and purchase of food items to the North-East.
He added that the programme was targeted at over 700,000 individuals, including 20, 000 children.
Similarly, Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State on Wednesday called for prosecution of persons who allegedly diverted 50 bags of rice meant for IDPs in the State.
The directive followed report that hundreds of IDPs apprehended some officials of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency for alleged theft of food meant for their upkeep.
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