EFCC probes alleged N10bn fraud over ‘non-existent’ Abia airport project

Governor Alex Otti says forensic audit traced funds to 32 accounts

Governor Alex Otti has revealed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is investigating the alleged misappropriation of N10 billion earmarked for an Abia airport project that was never built.

Speaking during a media chat on Friday, Otti said his administration had petitioned the anti-graft agency after a forensic audit uncovered suspicious transfers linked to the project.

Audit traces funds to 32 accounts

According to the governor, the audit found that N10 billion allocated for the airport under the previous administration was diverted into 32 different accounts.

He said the EFCC has begun inviting individuals connected to the transactions as part of its ongoing investigation.

“We are still on it, and I’m sure that at the appropriate time they will bring back the money,” Otti said, expressing confidence that the funds would be recovered.

The governor added that his administration remains committed to ensuring accountability and recovering public funds meant for development projects.

State introduces digital-only electric bus fares

Otti also announced the introduction of subsidised fares for the state’s electric bus service, which will now cost N800 from Umuahia to Aba and N1,000 from Umuahia to Ohafia.

He said the service would operate on a cashless system, with commuters required to pay using ATM cards as part of the state’s digital transformation efforts.

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The governor added that the free transport service introduced in December 2025 would officially end on February 28, transitioning into the new subsidised fare structure.