[UPDATED] EFCC arrests Energy Commission DG for N701bn linked to Progressive Governors’ Forum

• Case relates to Uzodimma’s alleged mismanagement of campaign money

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Director-General of Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Mustapha Abdullahi, for funds to the tune of N701 billion linked to Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), an association of All Progressives Congress (APC) governors.

Abdullahi was arrested on Wednesday in Abuja by operatives of the anti-graft agency, following his failure to honour two different invitations in respect of an ongoing financial investigation involving him.

A report by THISDAY said the matter might be connected to the allegations of financial mismanagement levelled against Chairman of Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma.

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Uzodimma’s alleged failure to properly account for the over N700 billion had caused tension among the APC governors, with some supporting him and expressing confidence in his leadership of PGF, while others accused him of mismanaging funds said to be set aside for the 2027 election campaign.

The money, according to the newspaper report, might have been approved for distribution among the APC governors ahead of 2027, but it resulted in controversy over how it was disbursed.

Some of the governors accused Uzodimma of misapplying the funds, while others disagreed with the charge.

About 18 of the APC governors followed up with a vote of confidence in Uzodimma.

Vice Chairman of PGF, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, denied reports of a rift within the APC governors’ ranks, describing the recent tensions as only a “slight misunderstanding”.

But the matter is now the subject of an investigation as to how the funds were applied.

A former minister from the South-east, who resigned some time ago over forgery allegations under the current administration, was also said to be linked to the investigation involving Abdullahi.

Abdullahi’s arrest in Abuja was a sequel to a warrant of arrest for him to answer to corruption allegations, a reliable source at the headquarters of EFCC was quoted to have said.

According to the source, Abdullahi has been taken into custody and would be questioned over alleged fraudulent activities to the tune of N701 billion.

The source stated, “Yes, we have arrested him (the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi), for alleged money laundering offences.

“Operatives of the commission went after him after he didn’t honour invitation extended to him and is currently in our custody. The money is to the tune of about N701 billion.”

ECN spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, could not be reached for comments at the time of filing this report.

Abdullahi was appointed Director-General of ECN on October 24, 2023 by President Bola Tinubu.