The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over the sum of N279 million to the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts (formerly the National Theatre, Lagos), marking a significant step in the recovery and restitution of misappropriated public funds.
The formal handover ceremony took place on Friday, March 6, 2026, at the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 in Ikoyi.
The funds stem from a 2009 petition filed by Kabir Yusuf, then General Manager/CEO of the National Theatre, against Prince Benjamin Apugo and others.
The petition alleged irregularities in a contract awarded through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation to Techno Exportstroy Nig. Limited, valued at N299,707,828.00 for the construction of five gates, sand filling, and reclamation works at the National Theatre.
Investigations by the EFCC revealed that Yusuf Ahmed Atai, who served as Acting General Manager, released N334,229,794.24 to the contractor an amount exceeding the contract sum by N34,521,966.00.
Work actually executed was valued at only N55,910,744.00, leaving an unexecuted balance of N243,799,132.25.
The excess payment was also not refunded.Following the conclusion of its probe, the EFCC charged the suspect to court.
During the trial, a total of N279,000,000.00 was recovered from the defendant on behalf of the National Theatre.
Representing the EFCC Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, at the ceremony, Acting Zonal Director of Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE I) Bawa Usman Kaltungo, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to accountability and the return of stolen public resources to their rightful owners.
He cautioned the management of the Wole Soyinka Centre to ensure the funds are used strictly for intended purposes, stating: “We cannot suffer to recover this money for you and then have it used for purposes other than what it is meant for after receiving it from us. We have already asked you to tell us what you intend to do with it, and you should know that we will keep an eye on how it is utilised.”
He further disclosed that the EFCC would conduct periodic site visits to monitor project implementation, adding: “We will be visiting from time to time to monitor the progress of work. Our eagle eyes will be watching the pace of work.
"Do not tamper with the recovered funds. Use them for the benefit of Nigeria and all of us.”
"Accepting the bank drafts on behalf of the Centre, Jatto Kabiru, Head of Finance and Accounts at the National Theatre, expressed deep gratitude to the EFCC for its diligence and effectiveness.“
We are most grateful for this remarkable feat of recovering this amount of money for us. The EFCC is one of Nigeria’s most effective and reliable law enforcement agencies.
I assure you that the money will be used judiciously,” he said.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com