Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has said that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is investigating the alleged misappropriation of N10 billion purportedly spent for a non-existent Abia Airport by the previous administration.
Otti disclosed this on Friday night, during the February media chat, saying that the commission was still inviting individuals who received the funds into their accounts.
He explained that his administration had petitioned EFCC regarding the alleged looted funds meant for the project.
He expressed the confidence that the money would be recovered, saying that the people involved would return the funds “at the appropriate time.”
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that a forensic audit revealed that N10 billion, allocated for the airport project by Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu’s government, was misappropriated.
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The audit report further disclosed that the funds were transferred to 32 different accounts.
Otti said that his administration was focused on recovering the looted funds to ensure good governance and development in Abia.
He said, “We are still on it, and I’m sure that at the appropriate time they will bring back the money.”
The governor also announced subsidised fares for the recently launched Electric Bus Services on two major routes in the state.
According to him, commuters will henceforth pay N800 from Umuahia to Aba, while from Umuahia to Ohafia will cost N1,000.
“It is going to be cheap and organised in such a way that cash will not be accepted.
“You have to pay with your ATM card, because we need to move up the ladder in our digital transformation; that’s where the world is going,” Otti said.
The governor reiterated that the ongoing investigation is part of his administration’s broader commitment to accountability and fiscal discipline. He noted that public funds must be tied to verifiable projects, stressing that infrastructure allocations should translate into tangible development outcomes for the people of Abia State.
Otti further stated that the findings of the forensic audit had strengthened the state government’s resolve to pursue institutional reforms aimed at blocking financial leakages. According to him, strengthening internal controls, enforcing due process, and improving transparency in public procurement remain central to preventing a recurrence of such incidents.
He assured residents that his government would continue to cooperate fully with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission until the investigation is concluded. He maintained that beyond recovering the alleged misappropriated funds, the objective is to restore public trust in governance and ensure that future capital projects are executed with measurable impact across the state.
NAN reports that the free bus service, which had endured from Dec. 2025, when the bus was launched, will end on Feb. 28.
NAN
