EFCC
Susan Abayomi
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over ₦279 million to the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts in Lagos. This recovery is part of the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption and recover misappropriated public funds. The funds were recovered from a case involving Yusuf Ahmed Atai, former Acting General Manager of the National Theatre, who was accused of releasing ₦334,229,794.24 to a contractor for a project worth ₦299,707,828.00.
Investigations revealed that the contractor only executed work valued at ₦55,910,744.00, leaving an outstanding balance of ₦243,799,132.25 in unexecuted work. Atai also failed to refund the excess payment of ₦34,521,966.00. The EFCC charged Atai to court, and during the trial, ₦279 million was recovered from the defendant.
The handover ceremony took place on March 6, 2026, at the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Ikoyi. EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, represented by Acting Zonal Director Bawa Usman Kaltungo, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to ensuring public funds are properly accounted for and returned to their rightful owners.
Jatto Kabiru, Head of Finance and Accounts at the National Theatre, received the bank drafts on behalf of the Wole Soyinka Centre. He expressed appreciation to the EFCC for recovering the funds and assured that they would be used appropriately. The EFCC warned the centre’s management to use the funds judiciously and announced plans to periodically inspect the project.
The Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, formerly known as the National Theatre, was recently refurbished. The renovation was funded and overseen by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in collaboration with the Bankers’ Committee .
The EFCC’s efforts to combat corruption and recover stolen funds are ongoing. The commission’s actions demonstrate its commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency in government institutions.
