The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained six senior officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) over allegations involving a fraudulent scheme that reportedly amounts to over N6 billion. The arrests were confirmed by sources at the EFCC’s headquarters in Jabi, Abuja.
These senior NSCDC officers were handed over to the EFCC this Monday following a directive from the NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Audi. The transfer of the officers for interrogation was initiated by a formal request from EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to the NSCDC CG, which underscores the gravity of the allegations.
A reliable source within the EFCC disclosed that, “Six senior NSCDC officers are currently in our custody. They’re being grilled by our investigators over alleged fraudulent activities running into over N6bn.” This statement highlights the significant financial misconduct under investigation.
Further clarifications were made by another source who emphasized that the probe specifically targets the six officers and not the NSCDC Commandant General. The source stated, “The EFCC did not arrest the NSCDC CG, neither is he being probed. We only have six senior NSCDC officers in our custody, and they’re being probed over alleged N6bn fraud.”
Attempts to obtain comments from the EFCC were unsuccessful as Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson for the EFCC, did not respond to phone calls and text messages. Additionally, when reached for a statement, the NSCDC spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, expressed unawareness of the arrests, simply stating, “I’m not aware of this.”
This development signals a significant step in the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to tackle corruption and financial crimes within government agencies. The situation is developing, and further details are expected as the investigation progresses.