EFCC detains former Ondo Finance Commissioner, Wale Akinterinwa

EFCC detains former Ondo Finance Commissioner, Wale Akinterinwa

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained Wale Akinterinwa, a former Commissioner of Finance to the ex-Ondo governor, Late Rotimi Akeredolu. 

Akinterinwa, who is also an All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Ondo State, is being held in connection with investigations into his seven-year tenure as finance commissioner.

Sources reveal that Akinterinwa’s detention is related to alleged mismanagement of substantial sums of money during his time as finance commissioner. Despite claiming endorsement by Akeredolu for the next Ondo governorship, Akinterinwa faces scrutiny over financial discrepancies amounting to billions of naira.

The EFCC had previously invited Akinterinwa for questioning regarding these allegations, but he had reportedly been too occupied to honor the invitation. However, he appeared at the EFCC office shortly before the Ondo APC governorship primary election.

While the EFCC has refrained from publicizing Akinterinwa’s detention to avoid political entanglements, sources affirm that the investigation is purely based on financial irregularities during his tenure. An EFCC source stated, “Akinterinwa voluntarily reported to the EFCC in Abuja. He was taken into custody for questioning. His detention has no political undertone.”

Akinterinwa’s detention underscores ongoing efforts by anti-graft agencies to address financial improprieties within Nigeria’s public sector, particularly as the country approaches critical political transitions.