EFCC arrests Energy Commission DG over alleged N500bn fraud

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, over alleged money laundering offences involving about N500bn.

According to a report by Punch Newspapers, Abdullahi was arrested in Abuja and is currently being held by the anti-graft agency.

A source within the EFCC, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly on the matter, said the investigation centres on alleged financial crimes linked to funds 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.

Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, were unsuccessful as calls and enquiries were not responded to at the time the report was filed.

President Bola Tinubu appointed Abdullahi as Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria in October 2023.

The EFCC has yet to release an official statement detailing the allegations or possible charges against the Energy Commission chief.

The report was first published by Punch