The Nigeria Police Force has launched a discreet investigation into Stella Okotete, President Bola Tinubu’s ministerial nominee and former Executive Director of Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), following serious allegations of document falsification and monumental fraud.

The investigation was initiated in response to a petition filed by Barrister Aare Oladotun Hassan Esq of Juryman Associate Chambers, accusing Stella Erhuvwuoghene Okotete of fraudulent practices, including misrepresenting qualifications required for holding a statutory position at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), engaging in corrupt practices, and misappropriating funds.

According to a police action plan viewed by SaharaReporters on Friday, the petition was first endorsed to the DIG FCIID Abuja, and subsequently re-endorsed to the CP GI Section for discreet investigation.

The petition cited concerns about the non-implementation of a Senate Report that was previously submitted by Mr. Myson Nejo Esq on behalf of the Ilaje Global Think Thank Initiative, seeking Stella Okotete’s removal and prosecution. The report highlighted that the nominee lacked a first-degree qualification in any financial account institution, banking, or business administration-related courses, such as ICAN, CIBN, or any chartered institution of taxation qualifications.

It was further alleged that Okotete did not possess the required 18 years of banking experience necessary to hold the position of Executive Director at Nexim Bank. The petition also claimed that the suspect had approved substantial amounts of money for loans and channeled funds to unqualified and unverified companies, leading to the misappropriation of public funds.

The police investigation plan outlines a series of actions, including recording statements from witnesses, verifying the suspect’s educational background, contacting relevant institutions such as NYSC Board, CBN, SGF, Code of Conduct Bureau, NFIU, CAC, and National Assembly to gather relevant information related to the case.

The police have recommended opening a case file and inviting the petitioner to the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department (FCIID) to adopt his petition. The investigation will also include obtaining a statement from the suspect and conducting interviews with involved parties, ultimately resulting in an interim police investigation report.

This investigation comes at a crucial time as the Senate is set to consider the nomination of Stella Okotete for a ministerial position, raising significant concerns over the integrity of public office appointments and the need for transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s governance.

Source: Sahara Reporters