Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the immediate past Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Ahmed Idris, over his alleged involvement in a N26 trillion fraud.

HURIWA, in a statement issued on Friday by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, accused Idris of violating the Financial Regulations (FR) by signing the consolidated statement of financial position of the Federal Government of Nigeria for 2019 without the approval of the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning.

The statement claimed that Idris acted unilaterally and illegally by signing the financial statement without indicating his Financial Reporting Council (FRC) of Nigeria registration number, a component that carries the approval of the consolidated statement of financial position, contrary to the extant regulation.

HURIWA also faulted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its tardiness in prosecuting Idris over another allegation of financial malfeasance amounting to N90 billion, which led to his suspension from office in 2023.

The statement said that Idris’ actions were tantamount to gross misconduct, abuse of office, breach of trust, and sabotage of the nation’s economy.

HURIWA urged the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to demonstrate its commitment to fighting corruption by ensuring that Idris is brought to justice without further delay.

The statement also called on the Senate Public Account Committee to conduct a thorough and independent investigation into the N26 trillion fraud and hold Idris and other accomplices accountable.

The group said that It was shocking and unacceptable that such a huge amount of public funds could be mismanaged and misappropriated by an individual without any oversight or checks and balances.

HURIWA said that it was in the interest of the nation and its citizens that the truth about the N26 trillion fraud is exposed and justice is served.

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