Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have arrested the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, over alleged money laundering offences involving about N500bn.
A source within the anti-graft agency confirmed on Wednesday that Abdullahi was arrested in Abuja and is currently being held by the commission for questioning.
According to the source, investigators are probing financial transactions linked to the alleged fraud, which is estimated at N500bn.
“We have arrested the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, for money laundering offences. He was arrested and is currently in our custody. The money is to the tune of N500bn,” the source said.
EFCC investigates alleged N500bn fraud
The arrest has drawn attention to ongoing anti-corruption efforts by the EFCC as authorities intensify investigations into alleged financial crimes involving public officials.
Although details surrounding the transactions remain unclear, sources within the agency disclosed that investigators are examining documents and financial records connected to the case.
As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had not issued an official statement confirming the arrest.
Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the commission, Dele Oyewale, were unsuccessful on Wednesday.
Tinubu appointed Abdullahi in 2023
President Bola Tinubu appointed Abdullahi as Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria on October 24, 2023.
The Energy Commission of Nigeria is responsible for coordinating national energy planning, policy implementation and renewable energy development across the country.
The development comes amid increased scrutiny of government agencies and public institutions over allegations of financial mismanagement and corruption.
More details are expected to emerge as investigations continue.
