I Didn’t Divert ₦16.5bn for Tara a Bridge, Says Mairiga

Minister Uba Maigari has denied claims that he diverted ₦16.5 billion meant for the reconstruction of the collapsed Namnai Bridge in Gassol LGA, Taraba State.

Speaking through his lawyer, Ibrahim Effiong, Maigari described the allegations by social media activist Abdulmumuni Imam as “baseless and misleading.”

The minister has reportedly taken legal action against Imam, who is said to be in hiding.

Imam had alleged that the emergency fund was redirected to a non-emergency road project along the Namnai–Jalingo access road, while no work has started on the collapsed bridge.

He also claimed that the delay has exposed residents to danger, with some lives reportedly lost.

The ministry, however, insists it is not directly responsible for releasing or spending the funds. A court order for Imam’s arrest was reportedly obtained but later withdrawn.

The Namnai Bridge collapsed in August 2024, cutting off local communities. The ₦16.5 billion approved for its reconstruction remains at the centre of the controversy.