Engr. Sulaiman Bolakale Kawu Agaka, former Director at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), has categorically rejected accusations linking him to the misappropriation of COVID-19 relief funds, branding the claims as baseless and politically motivated attempts to tarnish his name.
In an official release from his media team on Thursday, Agaka-who holds the traditional titles Dan Iya of Ilorin Emirate and Hasken Lafiagi of Lafiagi Emirate in Kwara State-emphasized that the allegations have already undergone thorough scrutiny by the appropriate anti-corruption bodies, which found no evidence implicating him either directly or indirectly.
“To clarify, the relevant federal anti-graft agencies conducted a comprehensive investigation into the matter and conclusively cleared Engr. Kawu of any wrongdoing. At no point was he charged, reprimanded, or connected to the case,” the statement affirmed.
Agaka criticized the Movement for Public Accountability (MPA), the group responsible for the accusations, for presenting conflicting narratives. While the MPA acknowledged that investigations had taken place, they simultaneously condemned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for prosecuting what they termed “foot soldiers” involved in the alleged fraud, yet claimed the so-called “masterminds” had not been interrogated.
“This contradiction is telling: if the professional anti-corruption agencies, equipped with extensive investigative tools, found no grounds to implicate Engr. Kawu, what exactly is MPA’s objective? Is it seeking to persecute him unjustly, or does it presume to have superior knowledge over constitutionally mandated bodies?” the media office questioned.
He further clarified that during his tenure at REA, he operated under the supervision of an Executive Director and a Managing Director, and was never the agency’s Chief Executive Officer. Consequently, he had no authority to independently approve project financing, procurement, or fund disbursement.
The statement also cast doubt on the legitimacy of the Movement for Public Accountability, highlighting that the organization is not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
Agaka described the accusations as politically charged, suggesting that his increasing popularity-demonstrated by the warm reception he recently received in his hometown-has unsettled certain political figures. “Engr. Kawu’s enhanced public profile is a reflection of his decades-long dedicated service and grassroots support, not any illicit activity,” the statement asserted.
He urged the public to dismiss these “fabricated” claims, asserting that they are part of a broader tactic to divert attention from the escalating insecurity and governance challenges in Kwara State.
“Engr. Kawu remains steadfast in his commitment to advancing the development of Kwara State and Nigeria as a whole, and no orchestrated falsehood will deter his mission,” the media office concluded.