ABUJA — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Sulieman Garba Bulkwang, the Director of Human Resources Management at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja. The charges, announced on Friday, involve the alleged criminal diversion of funds and money laundering totaling N223,412,909.
In a statement, EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, detailed that Bulkwang faces a five-count indictment. The charges stem from his alleged role in manipulating funds intended for the REA, a government agency responsible for rural electrification projects across Nigeria.
One of the charges reads, “That you, SULEIMAN GARBA BULKWANG, while being the Director of Human Resources Management of the Rural Electrification Agency, REA, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did counsel one Umaefulem Donatus Chibueze, the Managing Director of Cees Assist Resources and Brainstask Value Resources (consultants to REA), to transfer the sum of N138,123,969 out of the sum of N279,330,000 paid to the consultants by REA, when you knew that the said sum of N138,123,969 constituted proceeds of unlawful activity.”
Another count alleges that in July 2023, Bulkwang “indirectly converted the sum of N45,000,000” through various bank accounts associated with companies linked to REA consultants, funds which the EFCC claims are proceeds from illegal activities. Both offenses are violations under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
After the charges were presented, Bulkwang pleaded “not guilty” to all counts. With his defense counsel absent, EFCC’s prosecution counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, requested a trial date and that Bulkwang be remanded in custody until further proceedings.
Justice Abdulmalik has scheduled a bail hearing for February 3, 2024. In the interim, the court ordered that Bulkwang be held at Kuje Correctional Center.
The EFCC’s investigation into the case highlights concerns about financial misconduct within Nigeria’s public sector. A conviction could carry significant penalties under the Money Laundering Act, including lengthy imprisonment and substantial fines.
