Mrs Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture disclosed that she has been invited by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over the N1.68b assets saga.
A group, Parrot Deed International Network, in a petition, dated 2 March, 2020, and addressed to the ICPC Chairman, accused the commissioner of “official corruption, unlawful enrichment and conversion of public fund for personal use.”
As listed in the petition, the N1. 68 billion assets included a hotel worth N900 million, a shopping mall worth N450 million, a pharmacy worth N150 million and a fuel station estimated at N180 million.
The group had alleged that Akinbile-Yussuf, who reportedly served as a commissioner in two ministries between 2015 and 2019 before her present position under the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration, acquired some properties between 2015 till date with questionable funds.
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According to reports, Akinbile-Yussuf has served on Lagos State Executive Council as Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, 2015 – 17, Wealth Creation and Employment, 2018 – 19.
In a minor cabinet reshuffle early this year, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu moved her from the Ministry of Home Affairs to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
There was the fear that the case of the N1.68 billion with ICPC might have been swept under the carpet as it was alleged that Akinbile-Yussuf was making frantic efforts to ensure that she is not prosecuted.
Infotrust reached out to Mrs Azuka Ogugua, the spokesperson of the ICPC to confirm the veracity of the speculation, she replied “Good morning. I’m afraid, I don’t have any information about the case at this time. Thank you”. She did not respond to further messages on when to check back to ascertain the progress of the investigation.
However, Akinbile-Yussuf responding to Infotrust about the allegations through Whatsapp stated, “Good morning, this was reported on the 12th of April by Vanguard Newspaper, so it is not a new to the media, and I’m happy to inform you that ICPC has invited me for enquiries, I believe they will make there position known when they are done”.
