Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have arrested a staff member of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Kelechi Benwosely Esimogu, over alleged large-scale financial fraud linked to contract deals.
Esimogu, who also serves as a pastor, was reportedly arrested on Wednesday evening at a location in Wuse, Abuja, by EFCC operatives. The arrest was said to have been carried out without resistance, after which she was taken into custody for further interrogation.
According to reports, the arrest followed multiple petitions from private firms accusing Esimogu of collecting hundreds of millions of naira under the pretext of securing lucrative contracts from the NDDC.
Sources alleged that the suspect presented herself as someone with strong influence within the commission, convincing company representatives that she could facilitate the award of high-value projects.
“The petitioners claimed that the suspect failed to carry out the agreed job and instead allegedly diverted the funds to political activities,” one source said.
Investigators also revealed that efforts to apprehend her had previously been unsuccessful, as she allegedly evaded arrest by frequently changing locations and lodging in different hotels.
“Several attempts by both the complainants and investigators to reach her proved abortive. We traced her location, but she was always evading arrest by frequently changing locations and lodging in different hotels,” the source added.
Further findings indicated that multiple companies lodged similar complaints, prompting a wider investigation into the alleged scheme.
Another source disclosed that payments were made in installments over time, but the promised contracts never materialised, leading to formal complaints to the EFCC.
“Payments were reportedly made in tranches over a period of time. However, the promised contracts never materialised, prompting the company to write to us to investigate. We invited her several times, but she didn’t show up, making excuses. However, she has been moving around in her state, Imo, declaring her intention to get involved in politics and contest in the forthcoming election. So, investigators are also examining whether any proceeds from the alleged scheme were deployed in political mobilization efforts, including outreach to local stakeholders and influencers.”
When contacted, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said, “Let me call the office; I will get back,” but follow-up attempts to reach him were unsuccessful.
The NDDC, established in 2000, is tasked with driving development in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta region.
What you should know
The EFCC regularly investigates cases involving alleged abuse of influence and contract fraud within government agencies.
This case highlights concerns about individuals allegedly exploiting perceived connections within institutions to obtain funds from unsuspecting businesses. If proven, such actions can undermine trust in public institutions and disrupt development efforts.
The investigation may also extend into political financing if evidence suggests that the funds were diverted for political activities, making the case both a financial and political matter.
