EFCC Invites Akpabio Over Corruption Allegation

The former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio has been invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for interrogation over an investigation concerning corruption allegations against him.

This is coming amidst reports that the President-elect, Bola Tinubu has endorsed him for the office of the 10th Senate President.

According to Punch, there had been allegations of an N40 billion fraud perpetrated in the Niger Delta Development Commission, under Akpabio’s leadership.

The National Assembly in 2022 resolved to probe the alleged N40 billion financial recklessness of the Interim Management Committee of the NDDC.

Also, there were allegations of over N86 billion contract scams involving the senator-elect and a former Acting Managing Director of the NDDC, Prof Kemebradikumo Pondei, which the EFCC had been investigating.

The platform also stated that the anti-graft agency had in the past arrested Akpabio over the alleged theft of N108.1 billion of Akwa Ibom funds.

The EFCC had earlier invited Akpabio to appear for questioning on March 29 but his lawyer, Umeh Kalu (SAN) in a letter to the anti-graft agency alleged that his client was suffering from pneumonia and cardiac arrhythmia.

Kalu, while pleading with the EFCC to reschedule the questioning to a new date, had said Akpabio would be unable to honour the invitation on March 29 due to alleged ill health.

He further stated that the Senator-elect had already arranged medical appointments overseas.

Kalu said, “As mentioned in our last letter to you dated February 10, 2023, our client is undergoing treatment for pneumonia and cardiac arrhythmia, and, has recently been advised to seek further attention abroad.

“It is in the light of the above that we respectfully request that our client’s appointment with you be rescheduled to a date convenient to your officers, preferably after the forthcoming Easter and Ramadan holidays.”

EFCC in a new letter dated April 13, 2023, which was received by Akpabio’s lawyers, Seasons Law Firm asked Akpabio to come to its headquarters in Abuja on May 9, 2023.

The letter titled, ‘Investigation Activities Re: Senator Godswill Akpabio’s Appointment Letter Of Invitation’ was signed by ACE II SM Ala, Head, CMU-1.

It reads, “I refer to your letter number dated March 27, 2023, on the above subject. In view of the above, you are kindly requested to inform your client Senator Godswill Akpabio to personally report for an interview with the undersigned through the Head, CMU-1 team on May 9, 2023, at the 5th Floor, EFCC Headquarters Plot 301/302 Institutions and Research District. Jabi, Abuja at 10:00 am.”