EFCC begins investigation proceedings against NDDC
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has begun its investigation into the corruption charges against the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio and the acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC’s Interim Management Committee, IMC Prof. Kemebradikumo Pondei.
This was contained in a letter addressed to a civil society group, Foundation for True Freedom and Good Governance, led by activist, Deji Adeyanju.
The Deji Adeyanju-led group had demanded that the EFCC be made to run point in the investigation against Akpabio and Pondei over allegations of corruption at the NDDC.
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In a letter to the group signed by its Head of Economic Governance Section, Adebayo Adeniyi, said,
“We write to acknowledge the receipt of your petition dated August 3, 2020 in respect of the above subject and to inform you that investigation into the case has commenced.
“In view of the above, you are kindly requested to attend an interview with the undersigned through the O/C team six on Thursday, August 20, 2020 at EFCC headquarters third floor.”
However, the letter was leaked to the media by Adeyanju, much to the chagrin of the anti-corruption agency.
The Sun quoted a source at the anti-graft agency who said
“What he has done is a big problem for us.”
“We don’t usually disclose anything when we are carrying out any investigation. Adeyanju was only invited to give more information. What he has done will likely sabotage our investigation,” he said.
Following corruption allegations levelled against the chaperones of the commission, individuals, as well as corporate organizations, have called for a speedy investigation into the commission. Only recently, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) had called on President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure a prompt, thorough and transparent investigation into the grave allegations of corruption against Akpabio, by former acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Joy Nunieh.
EFCC’s mandate to initiate investigation proceedings against the commission comes on the back of an earlier probe by the National Assembly against Akpabio’s alleged financial malfeasance, which witnessed allegations and counter-allegations during which the Minister claimed that several members of the NASS were beneficiaries of NDDC contracts which has been a major bone of contention in the saga.
