ECN DG Speaks on EFCC Invitation Reports
The Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, has denied reports alleging that he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an ongoing fraud investigation.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja through his Media Aide, Alhaji Abdulrasaq Danjuma, Dr Abdullahi said he only honoured an invitation by the anti-graft agency in line with due process and respect for constituted authority.
According to the statement, the ECN boss described his appearance before the commission as a voluntary engagement by a public official committed to transparency and accountability.
“It is important to clarify that he was not arrested, but attended the engagement voluntarily as a responsible public servant committed to transparency and accountability,” the statement said.
The clarification followed media reports claiming that the ECN Director-General was being detained by the EFCC in connection with an alleged N500 billion fraud investigation.
While acknowledging that investigations were ongoing, Dr Abdullahi appealed to the public to avoid speculation, misinformation and unverified claims capable of creating tension or prejudicing due process.
He stressed that all allegations currently in the public domain remained subject to investigation and legal interpretation by competent authorities.
The statement further noted that every individual was entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
“At this time, we respectfully urge supporters, associates, stakeholders and members of the public to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding while the appropriate authorities carry out their constitutional responsibilities,” the statement added.
Efforts to obtain an official response from the spokesperson of the EFCC, Mr Dele Oyewale, were unsuccessful as of press time.
However, sources within the anti-graft agency quoted by local media indicated that the investigation involved funds allegedly estimated at about N500 billion.
Source: Punch
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