REA Probe: Former MD Ahmad Salihijo, Executive Director Not Listed in Ongoing Court Cases

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA), a Federal Government agency tasked with expanding electricity access to unserved and underserved communities, has remained under administrative and regulatory review following assessments of its financial and operational processes initiated in 2023.

The Agency, which operates under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Power, came under heightened scrutiny after internal and external evaluations identified weaknesses in certain government systems, operational procedures, and financial control mechanisms.

In March 2024, the developments culminated in the indefinite suspension of the Agency’s former Managing Director, Engr. Ahmad Salihijo, alongside members of the Executive Management team. The action was officially linked to concerns about identified lapses within operational and financial oversight structures at the time.

As part of the broader review, law enforcement agencies commenced investigations into aspects of the Agency’s procurement and payment processes. The inquiries focused on approval workflows and the release of funds through established government financial platforms, including transactions processed via the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS).

Prior to the suspensions, Ahmad Salihijo was reported to have alerted relevant authorities about unusual payment patterns, particularly transactions processed through GIFMIS. According to available information, the REA Executive Management also initiated internal accountability measures in line with public service regulations.

Officials within the finance and accounts departments were queried and placed on suspension, while recommendations from the Senior Staff Committee were forwarded to the supervising ministry for further consideration.

Between August and September 2023, several REA officials were invited by law enforcement agencies to provide documentation and clarification relating to payment records, procurement files, and internal control procedures connected to rural electrification projects nationwide.

Subsequent media reports in mid-2024 indicated that certain former REA officials were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged irregularities linked to payment processing. Publicly referenced court records show that the matters involved multiple charge numbers and followed established judicial procedures, including arraignment, remand, and interim forfeiture applications.

Investigative filings cited in open sources stated that some disputed transactions were processed outside approved audit and authorization frameworks. Interim forfeiture orders were later granted by the Federal High Court in Abuja in relation to properties connected to the ongoing cases, pending final judicial determination.

However, publicly accessible court documents and charge sheets reviewed in connection with the matter did not list Engr. Ahmad Salihijo, former Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, or Engr. Barka Sajou, former Executive Director, Technical Services, as defendants in the cases currently before the court.

As of the time of filing this report, no criminal charges have been brought against Salihijo or Sajou in relation to the investigations arising from the Agency’s review.

The REA matter has nevertheless sparked renewed debate about internal financial controls, oversight mechanisms, and institutional accountability within Nigeria’s public sector. Observers say the developments underscore the need to strengthen governance frameworks, improve transparency systems, and reinforce due process safeguards across government institutions.

While judicial proceedings continue for those formally charged, the broader review has highlighted systemic issues requiring sustained reform efforts to bolster public trust in critical service-delivery agencies.