How FIRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji blocked investigation of AGF using Tinubu’s name –Sources
Madein, who made history as Nigeria’s first female Accountant-General, is being investigated by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Nigeria is facing allegations of widespread corruption under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, and a recent investigation into Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, the Accountant-General of the Federation, is being reportedly hindered by a figure close to the presidency, SaharaReporters has learnt.
Madein, who made history as Nigeria’s first female Accountant-General, is being investigated by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Sources close to the matter told SaharaReporters that Zacch Adedeji, Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and a close associate of President Tinubu, is interfering with the investigation.
It’s worth noting that Madein has been at the centre of controversy before. In January 2024, she was involved in a payment authorisation of N585 million into a private account, which sparked outrage and allegations of embezzlement.
However, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, justified the payment, stating that it was for grants to vulnerable groups in several states. Edu has since been suspended by the President.
Adedeji was Tinubu’s special adviser on revenue before his appointment as FIRS chairman.
The ICPC’s role is to investigate, prosecute, and prevent corruption, ensuring public bodies’ systems and procedures don’t aid corruption.
As the Accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein is responsible for managing all accounting functions related to federal receipts and payments. Her role is crucial in maintaining transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s financial systems.
According to sources close to the investigation, a dramatic scene unfolded at the ICPC office on September 23, 2024. While the Accountant-General of the Federation, Madein, was being questioned by ICPC officials, Zacch Adedeji suddenly arrived and demanded to see ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN).
Upon being informed that Aliyu was unavailable, Adedeji reportedly confronted the ICPC officers on duty, questioning their authority to investigate the Accountant-General without President Bola Tinubu’s approval.
This intervention raised eyebrows, especially given Adedeji’s close ties to President Tinubu, having previously served as his special adviser on revenue.
One of sources told SaharaReporters that the FIRS chairman was informed that the President does not authorise the investigation of any suspect and does not interfere in the investigation of suspects, including public officers.
“Not satisfied, Adedeji demanded to see the Accountant-General who was in the interrogation room. He was accompanied to the room but was not allowed to talk to the Accountant General of the Federation,” the source said.
Although the exact nature of his relationship with Madein, the Accountant-General of the Federation, remains unclear, sources suggest that Adedeji’s actions could be motivated by a desire to hide his connection to the probe.
Meanwhile, SaharaReporters learnt that the FIRS Chairman, Adedeji, has hired the former ICPC chairman, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, as his Special Adviser.
Another source told SaharaReporters that prior to his appointment as FIRS chairman, Adedeji was investigated by the ICPC under Owasanoye and that his appointment of Owasanoye may be with the understanding that he destroyed his files before leaving the position as ICPC chair.
“We also heard he has hired the former ICPC chair Owosanoye as his Special Adviser with the understanding that he destroyed his files before leaving the position as ICPC chair,” the source said. “Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye was forme
