Diezani: EFCC Uncovers Unauthorised $1.3b Withdrawal From the NNPC Accounts

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has yet again uncovered the withdrawal of $1.3billion from the accounts of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), allegedly to tackle kidnapping and other security challenges in the Niger Delta.

However, reports indicate that neither the National Assembly nor the Federal Executive Council (FEC) authorized the withdrawal.

Also, there are claims that the former Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, is also unaware of the deductions from the NNPC accounts.

Okonjo-Iweala  was said to only rely on a memo from ex-President Goodluck Jonathan without focusing on the board of the NNPC.

Meanwhile, a former Group Executive Director, Finance and Accounts of NNPC, Mr. Bernard Otti, has been interrogated by EFCC officials over the withdrawal..

Otti had reportedly submitted some documents to the EFCC, which also include approvals to withdraw the $1.3billion by Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke.

In two other instances, Jonathan wrote on two other requests compelling the former minister to take part of the cash from either NNPC Security Vote Account or from the “Gas Fund”.

According to sources, EFCC operatives were almost closing up the probe of the ex-Minister when the withdrawal of the $1.3billion was uncovered.