EFCC set to arrest Soludo over alleged N2b hospital project fraud, as group submits petition

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is reportedly poised to arrest the Anambra State All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship candidate, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, over an alleged N2 billion hospital project fraud.

The development followed a petition submitted by a group, Anambra Democracy Watch on Tuesday, signed by one Mr. James Afuba on behalf of the Media Office.

Below is a copy of the petition dated October 20, 2021, addressed to the Chairman of the anti-graft agency:

Dear Sir,

Petition against Prof. Charles Soludo over the mismanagement of about N2 billion Isuofia hospital project

Mr. Chairman, Sir, 13 years ago (2008), Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo then Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, called for public donation for a hospital project at Isuofia in Aguata LGA of Anambra State.

It was a public launching that captains of industry, managing directors of banks, high network individuals and businessmen made donations for the building of what Soludo referred to as “a world-class hospital.”

During the said launch, about two billion naira was raised for the project which ought to be enough in building and equipping the hospital, given the low exchange rate at the time.

Sadly, this project has remained in limbo, with the said Professor Soludo, allegedly, diverting the money into political pursuits.

We, therefore, urge you, Sir to use your good offices to quickly intervene with a view to correcting this criminal breach of trust.

The huge money involved would have built and equipped the hospital to international standards, as well as institute an education trust fund for the less privileged, as promised.

Note that because this is a time the need for equipped medical facilities is most desirable, we thus consider it an obligation as citizens to call for action against acts of diversion of funds meant for the development of healthcare in the state by public-spirited individuals.

Please treat this petition as urgent, Sir, as we see such action as contradictory to the good intentions of members of the public that donated their land and money for such social infrastructure.

We are also of the opinion that the non-utilisation of the funds for the purpose which it was meant runs contrary to section 419 of the criminal code of Nigeria, and is therefore actionable.”