ABUJA (Reuters):

Three Nigerian former state governors were charged with stealing public money yesterday in a signal the new president intends to tackle corruption that has hindered development in Africa's most populous country.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) brought charges against the ex-governors of Plateau, Jigawa and Abia.

The charges were not read out in court but lawyers briefly showed charge sheets to journalists. They included embezzlement, money laundering and other corruption-related offences.

All three ex-governors were brought to court but the judge said they should be given time to read the detailed charges. He said they should be brought back on Monday to take a plea.