The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is currently delving into the activities of ten senior officials from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) concerning a suspected N7.5 billion fraud. Additionally, the anti-graft agency has summoned ten contractors believed to be complicit in the alleged scam.
In a letter dated April 26, 2024, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede formally invited the ten implicated NSCDC officials for interrogation. Documents obtained exclusively reveal that these individuals were slated to undergo questioning by EFCC personnel from May 2, 2024, onwards.
Among those summoned are Victor Olanrewaju Fayemi, Anthony Akpan Uwen, Patrick Babatunde, Comfort Danladi, Akibi Michael Olusola, Umaru Usman Karshi, Adewale Kukoyi, Joseph Ajayi Ibitulo, Mrs. A.A. Jonathan, and Paul Ahepa.
Allegations suggest that the massive fraud involved multiple contractors and the misappropriation of funds, with some of the money routed through Bureau de Change operators by the senior NSCDC officials. Sources familiar with the matter corroborated these claims but were not authorized to speak to the media.
Reportedly, payments were disbursed to 20 contractors, with N2 billion allocated to three primary contractors, each with ownership stakes in five companies. Retention fees of five percent were paid to each contractor, prompting the EFCC to issue invitations for questioning.
According to sources, one female contractor, who received over N1 billion, has been evading interrogation efforts. However, others have cooperated with EFCC investigators, leading to the recovery of approximately N1 billion.
The ongoing investigation has also revealed disparities in payments made to NSCDC staff for recent elections. Sources within the NSCDC revealed discontent among staff members, alleging that they received lower compensation compared to their counterparts in other agencies.
Although both the EFCC and NSCDC spokespersons, Dele Oyewale and Babawale Afolabi respectively, were unreachable for comments, it is known that senior NSCDC officers are currently undergoing interrogation at the EFCC headquarters.
The move was reportedly sanctioned by NSCDC Commandant General Ahmed Audi, in response to a directive from EFCC Chairman Olukoyede.
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