Former executives of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and recently fired managing directors of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries are under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly embezzling about $2.96 billion intended for the facilities’ rehabilitation.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior EFCC officer acknowledged that multiple high-ranking NNPCL officials are involved in the investigation.
Funds intended for the refineries’ immediate maintenance—which has been plagued by ongoing operational issues are at the centre of the probe.
The EFCC is reportedly investigating three specific disbursements: $657 million for the Warri refinery, $740 million for the Kaduna refinery, and $1.56 billion for the Port Harcourt refinery, according to previous reports.
According to reports, former Managing Directors Efifia Chu of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company and Ibrahim Onoja of the Port Harcourt Refining Company have already been taken into custody.
According to reports, one of the former MDs was detained by the EFCC for more than a week after large amounts were allegdely found in his bank accounts. The disclosures have raised worries that this scandal may be bigger than the notorious “Emefielegate.”
Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson for the EFCC, was not available to give comment regarding the development as at the time of report.
Meanwhile, the EFCC has formally requested NNPCL to tender all of its financial records, including information on emoluments and perks, in order to support its probe.
Join Our Social Media Channels:
WhatsApp: NaijaEyes
Facebook: NaijaEyes
Twitter: NaijaEyes
Instagram: NaijaEyes
TikTok: NaijaEyes
