The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday declared former President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Goodie Ibru, wanted in connection with allegations of capital market fraud and a lingering crisis over shares of Ikeja Hotels Plc.
A statement by EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, explained that Ibru is wanted for alleged money laundering.
“The public is hereby notified that Goodie Minabo Ibru is wanted by the EFCC in connection with a case of conspiracy, capital market fraud, stealing, diversion of funds and money laundering.
“He diverted billions of Naira and assets of Ikeja Hotels Plc, owners of Sheraton Hotel, Lagos; Federal Palace Hotel and Capital Hotel; owners of Sheraton Hotel Abuja to his personal benefit.
“Anybody having useful information as to his whereabouts should contact the commission through any of its offices located at Abuja, Kano, Gombe, Lagos, Ibadan, Maiduguri and Port Harcourt,” Mr Uwujaren stated.
The anti-graft agency had invited Ibru for questioning over petitions written by shareholders of Ikeja Hotels Plc but he did respond to the invitation.
The tussle for ownership the conglomerate has been the cause of a running battle between members of the extended Ibru family.
One group is led by Maiden, the widow of the late Guardian Publisher, Alex Ibru, while the other is led by Goodie, whom the EFCC dragged before a high court in 2015 on an 11-count charge if conspiring with others to steal almost N2 billion from Ikeja Hotels Plc in 2010.
Ikeja Hotels was founded in 1972 as Properties Development Limited and changed its name to Ikeja Hotel Limited in 1980. It later changed its name to Ikeja Hotel Plc in 1991.
