EFCC Arrests NDDC Staff Over Alleged Multi-million Naira Contract Scam

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested a staff member of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Kelechi Benwosely Esimogu, over alleged involvement in a large-scale financial scam linked to purported contract deals.

The suspect was reportedly arrested on Wednesday night at about 9:30 p.m. at a popular hospitality spot in Wuse, Abuja.

Reports had it that Esimogu was picked up without resistance and subsequently taken into custody for further interrogation.

She is also said to be the Group Pastor of Powercity International, a church based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

According to SaharaReporters, the arrest followed petitions by some private companies accusing the cleric of obtaining hundreds of millions of naira under the guise of securing lucrative contracts from the NDDC.

The petitioners alleged that she claimed to have a strong influence within the commission and convinced them she could facilitate the award of high-value projects.

“The petitioners claimed that the suspect failed to carry out the agreed job and instead allegedly diverted the funds to political activities,” a source said.

Investigators further revealed that efforts to reach the suspect prior to her arrest were unsuccessful, as she allegedly evaded arrest by frequently changing locations.

“Several attempts by both the complainants and investigators to reach her proved abortive. We traced her location, but she was always evading arrest by frequently changing locations and lodging in different hotels,” the source added.

Another source disclosed that the case extended beyond a single complainant, noting that multiple companies filed similar petitions.

“The company wasn’t the only complainant. Other companies also lodged similar petitions bordering on alleged fraudulent conduct, prompting investigators to conduct a broader, more comprehensive investigation into the matter,” the source said.

The EFCC is also probing whether funds allegedly obtained were channelled into political activities.

“Payments were reportedly made in tranches over a period of time. However, the promised contracts never materialised, prompting the company to write to us to investigate,” another source revealed.

“We invited her several times, but she didn’t show up, making excuses. However, she has been moving around in her state, Imo, declaring her intention to get involved in politics and contest in the forthcoming election.

“So, investigators are also examining whether any proceeds from the alleged scheme were deployed in political mobilisation efforts, including outreach to local stakeholders and influencers.”

When contacted, the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said he would verify the development.

“Let me call the office; I would get back,” he said.

However, follow-up calls and messages sent to him according to the media platform, were not responded to as of the time of filing this report.