EFCC Probes N10bn Abia Airport saga – Otti

Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has said that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is investigating the alleged misappropriation of N10 billion purportedly spent for a non-existent Abia Airport by the previous administration.

‎Otti disclosed this on Friday night, during February media chat, saying that the commission was still inviting individuals who received the funds into their accounts.

‎He explained that his administration had petitioned EFCC regarding the alleged looted funds meant for the project.

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‎He expressed the confidence that the money would be recovered, saying that the people involved would return the funds “at the appropriate time”.

‎The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a forensic audit revealed that N10 billion, allocated for the airport project by Dr Okezie Ikpeazu’s government, was misappropriated.

‎The audit report further disclosed that the funds were transferred to 32 different accounts.

‎Otti said that his administration was focused on recovering the looted funds to ensure good governance and development in Abia.

‎He said, “We are still on it and I’m sure that at the appropriate time they will bring back the money.”

‎The governor also announced subsidised fares for the recently launched Electric Bus Services on two major routes in the state.

‎According to him, commuters will henceforth pay N800 from Umuahia to Aba, while from Umuahia to Ohafia will cost N1,000.

‎“It is going to be cheap and organised in such a way that cash will not be accepted.

‎“You have to pay with your ATM card, because we need to move up the ladder in our digital transformation, that’s where the world is going,” Otti said.

‎NAN reports that the free bus service, which had endured from Dec. 2025, when the bus was launched, will end on Feb. 28.(NAN)