The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced a rigorous investigation into the purported diversion of a staggering N7.5 billion by contractors affiliated with the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Abubakar Audi. The investigation, unfolding over a five-day period, has unveiled a labyrinth of financial malfeasance entwined with the NSCDC’s procurement processes.
According to a confidential source within the EFCC, the probe has meticulously traced the entire sum earmarked for contractors to the accounts of Bureau De Change operators (BDCs). These operators have been summoned and subjected to intense interrogation as part of the ongoing inquiry.
At the heart of the matter lies the allocation of funds to 20 contractors, with a substantial N2 billion disbursed to three principal contractors, each wielding influence through a network of five companies. Notably, each contractor received a retention fee amounting to 5% of the allocated funds.
Significantly, investigators have highlighted the suspicious conversion of funds amounting to over N1 billion into United States Dollars by one female contractor, who has conspicuously evaded questioning. The relentless pursuit of truth by EFCC operatives has led to the recovery of approximately N1 billion, which contractors confessed was advanced to them by Audi to forestall investigative scrutiny.
In a bid to exonerate themselves, contractors have divulged information pivotal to the recovery efforts, affirming the professionalism of EFCC operatives in unraveling the intricate web of corruption. However, one contractor, identified as the Managing Director of Absolute Solutions, Cerise Ltd, and BNT Arm, has remained elusive despite repeated attempts to solicit her cooperation. This contractor has purportedly received payments since the assumption of Audi’s office in 2021 and has utilized the same BDC for currency exchange under the guise of executed contracts.
Further scrutiny has implicated prominent contractors such as Sotitrech Computers and Jikol Multipurpose, who allegedly funneled substantial sums through intermediary companies such as Al-Hikma Communications. Moreover, it has come to light that payments designated for election-related activities were disproportionately disbursed, resulting in alleged underpayment of NSCDC staff compared to counterparts in sister agencies.
In response to mounting evidence, the EFCC has issued letters summoning key NSCDC officers for interrogation, scheduled to commence on May 2, 2024. Among those slated for questioning are the following high-ranking officials:
1.Victor Olanrewaju fayemi
2. Anthony Akpan Uwen
3. Patrick Babatunde
4. Comfort Danladi
5. Akibo Michael Olusola
6. Umaru Usman Karshi
7. Adewale Kukoyi
8. Joseph Ajayi Ibitulo
9. A.A Jonathan
10. Paul Ahep
Credit: Imran Muhammad
