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ABUJA - Nigeria's anti-corruption police have arrested two former state governors, a bombshell in a country where politicians have looted public funds with impunity for decades.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said Orji Kalu and Saminu Turaki were answering questions on allegations of conspiracy to steal, abuse of office, diversion of public funds and money laundering.
"The arrest of the former governors of Abia and Jigawa states became imperative following their pointed refusal to honour several invitations of the EFCC, over a period of nearly two months," the commission said in a statement.
Kalu, who stepped down as governor of southeastern Abia on May 29 and was a presidential candidate in April elections, said he had "obliged an invitation" rather than be arrested.
He said the EFCC had acted unlawfully because there was a court order restraining it from harassing or arresting him.
Turaki, whose term as governor of northern Jigawa ended on May 29 but who is a sitting senator, could not be reached.
Nigeria is ranked as one of the most corrupt countries in the world by independent watchdog Transparency International.
The 36 state governors are powerful figures, with discretionary powers over millions of dollars of public funds and immunity from prosecution while in office.
Reuters
