EFCC Returns N279m Recovered Loot to Soyinka Centre

LAGOS – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday handed over N279 million in recovered public funds to the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts – formerly the National Theatre – underscoring its relentless campaign against corruption.

The symbolic handover occurred at the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 in Ikoyi, marking the culmination of a 17-year probe into a bloated construction contract awarded in 2009.

It began with a petition from Kabir Yusuf, then General Manager/CEO of the National Theatre, accusing Prince Benjamin Apugo and associates of irregularities in a N299.7 million deal. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation had engaged Techno Exportstroy Nigeria Limited for building five gates, sand filling, and reclamation works at the iconic venue.

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EFCC investigations uncovered deeper fraud: Acting General Manager Yusuf Ahmed Atai authorized payments totaling N334.2 million to the contractor – N34.5 million above the contract sum. Yet, only N55.9 million worth of work was completed, leaving N243.8 million in unexecuted projects and the excess unrefunded.

Atai faced court prosecution, yielding the N279 million recovery during proceedings. This return aligns with EFCC’s broader mandate under Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyede to repatriate looted assets, as seen in recent high-profile cases like those involving former officials.

Represented by Acting Zonal Director ACE I Bawa Usman Kaltungo, Olukoyede warned against misuse. “We won’t recover these funds just for them to vanish again,” he stated. “We’ve demanded your plans for it, and our oversight won’t stop. Nigerians demand accountability on every kobo.”

He pledged periodic site visits: “Our eagle eyes will track progress. Use it for Nigeria’s benefit – don’t tamper.”

Jatto Kabiru, the centre’s Head of Finance and Accounts, received the bank drafts with gratitude. “EFCC stands as one of our most effective agencies,” Kabiru said. “We assure judicious use for the centre’s development.”

Renamed in honor of Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, who serves as patron, the centre has undergone revitalization efforts since 2024, including cultural events amid Nigeria’s push to reclaim heritage sites. Officials confirmed the funds target pending infrastructure, closing a long-standing financial wound from the era.

This recovery highlights EFCC’s persistence in tackling legacy corruption, with over N150 billion in assets repatriated nationwide in 2025 alone, per agency reports.