The Director of Human Resources at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Suleiman Bulkwang, has been remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre after being arraigned on charges related to an alleged N223 million fraud. Bulkwang, who faces five counts of criminal diversion of funds and money laundering, appeared before a Federal High Court in Abuja, where he pleaded “not guilty” to all charges.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) outlined serious allegations against Bulkwang. The first charge claims that he instructed Umaefulem Donatus Chibueze, the Managing Director of Cees Assist Resources and Brainstask Value Resources, to divert N138.1 million from a payment made to consultants hired by REA. This amount was reportedly transferred from the N279.3 million paid to the consultants, despite it being proceeds of unlawful activity.

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In the second charge, Bulkwang is accused of converting N45 million, part of funds paid to various companies by REA consultants. The EFCC claims Bulkwang knew the money was the result of illegal actions.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, overseeing the case, scheduled a hearing for Bulkwang’s bail application on February 3, 2024, and ordered his detention in the meantime. The case underscores the EFCC’s commitment to addressing corruption within public institutions, particularly in government agencies like the REA.