Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has confirmed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is probing the alleged misappropriation of N10 billion earmarked for the now non-existent Abia Airport under the previous administration.
Speaking during a February media chat on Friday, Otti said his administration had filed a petition with the EFCC regarding the diverted funds and that the commission is actively summoning individuals who allegedly received portions of the money in various accounts.
“I am confident that the funds will be recovered. Those involved will return the money at the appropriate time,” he said.
A forensic audit reportedly found that the N10 billion, allocated during former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s tenure, was transferred to 32 separate accounts instead of being used for the airport project.
Otti emphasised that his administration is prioritizing the recovery of these funds to enhance governance and development in Abia State.
In other announcements, Governor Otti introduced subsidized fares for the state’s recently launched Electric Bus Services along two major routes.
Commuters traveling from Umuahia to Aba will now pay N800, while fares from Umuahia to Ohafia are set at N1,000.
“It is going to be cheap and organised. Cash will not be accepted.
”You have to pay with your ATM card because we are moving up the ladder in digital transformation — that is the global standard,” Otti stated.
The governor noted that the free bus service, which began in December 2025, would end on February 28, after which commuters will pay the subsidised fares.
