EFCC arrests Abba Moro over immigration recruitment scam

Former minister of interior under the Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, Abba Moro, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), The Cable reports. The report said Moro was arrested, February 22, in connection with the 2014 immigration recruitment scam.

At least 20 job seekers were reported dead across the country in the March 15, 2014 recruitment exercise.

 “Abba Moro is currently with us,” the source was quoted to have said. “And most likely he will be charged to court.”

According to Premium Times, a former Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Anaesthesia Nwaobia,
and a deputy director who allegedly facilitated the scam, were also arrested.

Report says they will be arraigned on a 12-count charge in the Federal High Court Abuja today, February 23.

The charges against Moro and the two other former staff of the ministry include, obtaining by false pretence, procurement offences, money laundering and other corrupt practices.

Following the tragedy, Nigerians had demanded the resignation or dismissal of Moro and the Comptroller-General of Immigration,David Parradang, as well as their criminal prosecution for involuntary homicide.

They were accused of organizing fictitious recruitment exercise, where the interior ministry at least extorted N520 million in compulsory levy imposed on applicants.