Crime Unit in Nigeria investigates $3.5m Rawlings accusation

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Nigeria has given clear indications it will investigate allegations that the Nigerian State Governor Rotimi Ameochi financed the campaign of the National Democratic Congress.

The Governor was alleged to have dolled out an amount $3.5 million to Ghana's ex-President Rawlings in the heat of the 2008 campaign.

The allegation made by Johnson Ude, publisher of the Nigerian website, pointblanknews.com, has caused nagging controversy in both countries with tales of denial from the Nigerian governor and the Ghanaian ex-president.

It is against the electoral laws of Ghana for political parties to receive funding from foreign donors for their political campaigns.

Mr. Rawlings has not only described the allegations as untrue, but has reportedly called for a chemical interrogation to ascertain its veracity.

But the EFCC has disclosed that an investigation is currently underway, not necessarily chemical.

Femi Baba Femi spokesperson of the EFCC told Citi News, the allegations have not gone unnoticed.

Baba Femi revealed The River State is being investigated over a myriad of allegations.

The Chief of Staff to the Governor, according to the spokesperson has already been hauled to court in Abuja over about 5 billion Naira fraud.

His aides have also been declared wanted, Baba Femi noted.

He would not disclose how deep the investigation has gone, neither would he disclose if the government of Ghana has been contacted.

Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline