The unfolding N10 billion corruption case involving Andrew Torhile Uchi, the Personal Assistant to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has once again brought to the fore the suspicion whether the anti-graft war of the current government is real or not.

In the alleged heist, Uchi, who has been working with Akume, for over one year now, was nabbed by men of the Economic and financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on March 10, 2025 and reportedly volunteered information with regards to his activities and how he acted as a front to some federal appointees from Benue State.

He was said to have told his interrogators that about 80 percent of the money in question were proceeds of laundered funds he and his wife carried out in the name of top officials in the SGF’s office.

Some of the deals were allegedly carried out at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in the SGF’s name and that he was able to collect bribes from some other oil companies and private organisations operating in the country in the name of his principal, the SGF.

Eagle-eyed EFCC investigators have been probing how Uchi allegedly acquired properties valued at over ₦6 billion across various locations, including Abuja, Jos, Makurdi, Gboko, and Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State.

Another sum of ₦1.6 billion was purported to have been used to purchase luxury vehicles through transactions involving multiple banks and car dealers.

But on March 18, 2025, Senator Akume in a statement distanced himself   from his Personal Assistant, saying “It is imperative to state categorically that the Office leadership is not in any way involved in the alleged misconduct, as it has always maintained a strong commitment to transparency, accountability, and integrity.”

The Office of the SGF urged the public to refrain from speculation, noting that investigations are ongoing and expressing support for the EFCC’s efforts to ensure accountability. “This case underscores the Nigerian government’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption within its ranks, reaffirming its dedication to upholding principles of transparency and accountability,” the statement said further.

Even so, millions of Nigerians are not convinced that the current administration is fighting corruption but that rather, the phenomenon is festering daily. Many have wondered how a personal assistant could execute such a daring operation without the knowledge and active connivance of the powers that be at the exalted Office of the SGF.

Specifically, on May 10, 2025, Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-political group, called for the immediate suspension of Senator George Akume for the multi-billion-naira corruption scandal linked to his aide.

The publicity secretary of the body, Dr. Bayo Adenuga, in a statement asked President Bola Tinubu to demonstrate his anti-corruption stance by removing Akume from office to allow for an independent investigation.

Said Afenifere: “Senator George Akume must be suspended to pave way for a full, free and comprehensive investigation into gross allegations of corruption coordinated in his office. We demand accountability.

“We, therefore, give EFCC a 7-day ultimatum to update the public on the status of the pending investigation or risk a massive nationwide protest from the Yoruba nation, all lovers of democracy and anti-corruption crusaders.”

Afenifere alleged that powerful forces in the SGF’s Office were blocking law enforcements from doing their job and reminded President Tinubu that Babachir Lawal, a former SGF, was removed from office for an offence that was little compared to the scandal linked to the current office holder.

Although we align with the demand of Afenifere, we are worried that nothing good may come out of the ongoing exercise. Not when top members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, who were involved in corrupt practices and faced prosecution by the EFCC are holding powerful positions in the legislature and executive arms of government even when their corruption cases were not completed.

We view the recent call by Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA) to President Tinubu that Nigeria must create a system that makes corruption impossible as mere grandstanding as the administration is not serious about fighting crime. Rather, any corrupt politician who crosses to the ruling party becomes a saint. Examples are legion.

While corruption can be curbed, it cannot be totally prevented. And both require a multifaceted approach focusing on building stronger institutions, strengthening legal frameworks, enhancing transparency, and fostering public participation.

But more importantly, those who transgress must be held accountable, a situation the current government, regrettably, abhors.

“… those who transgress must be held accountable, a situation the current government, regrettably, abhors.”