The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into ten senior officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) over an alleged N7.5 billion fraud, along with ten contractors linked to the purported scam.
According to a letter dated April 26, 2024, from EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede to the NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, the ten implicated NSCDC officers were summoned for questioning starting from May 2, 2024, and beyond. The officers named in the invitation include 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.
The alleged fraud, amounting to N7.5 billion, is said to involve multiple contractors, with funds traced to Bureau de Change operators through whom the senior NSCDC officers purportedly laundered the money. Sources close to the matter revealed that the EFCC has been grilling the contractors and BDC operators, uncovering substantial evidence to support the allegations.
In a surprising turn of events, it was disclosed that the indicted contractors had received over N1 billion, with one contractor yet to honor the EFCC’s summons. Investigators also revealed discrepancies in payments to NSCDC staff for recent elections, indicating possible financial mismanagement within the organization.
Efforts to reach spokespersons for both the EFCC and NSCDC for comments on the matter were unsuccessful as of the time of reporting. However, it was noted that the EFCC’s interrogation of the NSCDC officers was carried out at the behest of Commandant General Ahmed Audi.