EFCC returns stolen N279m to Wole Soyinka centre for culture in Lagos Premium Times Nigeria

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has returned N279 million to the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, formerly the National Theatre in Lagos, as part of some public funds stolen from the organisation.

According to a statement posted on X on Friday by the anti-graft agency, the handover took place at its Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Ikoyi.

The statement noted that funds recovery followed a 2009 petition by the former General Manager and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Theatre, Kabir Yusuf, against Benjamin Apugo and others.

Mr Yusuf alleged that a contract valued at N299,707,828 was awarded through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation to Techno Exportstroy Nig. Limited for the construction of five gates, sand filling, and reclamation works at the Theatre.

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But investigations revealed that then-acting General Manager of the Theatre, Yusuf Atai, released N334,229,794.24 to the contractor, exceeding the original contract by N34,521,966.00.

Only N55,910,744.00 worth of work was executed, leaving an uncompleted balance of N243,799,132.25, and the excess payment was never refunded.

Acting on the petition, the EFCC recovered N279 million from the defendant and returned it to the Theatre.

Speaking at the ceremony, EFCC Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyede, represented by Acting Zonal Director, an assistant commander I of the EFCC, Bawa Kaltungo, emphasised the commission’s commitment to accountability in public spending.

“We cannot suffer to recover this money for you and then have it used for purposes other than what it is meant for after receiving it from us,” he stated.

“We have already asked you to tell us what you intend to do with it, and you should know that we will keep an eye on how it is utilised. Nigerians have always sought to know what the Commission does with recovered funds.”

Mr Olukoyede added that EFCC would periodically monitor projects funded by recovered money.

“We will be visiting from time to time to monitor the progress of work. Our eagle eyes will be watching the pace of work. Do not tamper with the recovered funds. Use them for the benefit of Nigeria and all of us,” he said.

Receiving the funds on behalf of the Centre, the Head of Finance and Accounts, Jatto Kabiru, expressed appreciation to the EFCC.

“We are most grateful for this remarkable feat of recovering this amount of money for us. The EFCC is one of Nigeria’s most effective and reliable law enforcement agencies. I assure you that the money will be used judiciously,” he said.

The National Arts Theatre, renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts⁠, underwent a N68 billion restoration led by the Central Bank of Nigeria through the Bankers’ Committee and reopened in 2024 to boost Nigeria’s cultural and creative economy.

The Theatre has previously been the focus of anti-corruption actions. In 2017, the EFCC arrested four directors over alleged embezzlement and failure to remit revenue to the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

The EFCC has increasingly recovered misappropriated public funds⁠ and redirected them to social and government projects