The EFCC has arrested Mustapha Abdullahi, Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, over an alleged N701 billion linked to the APC Progressive Governors’ Forum and suspected campaign financing. The arrest dropped on Thursday morning and quickly became the day’s biggest anti-corruption story.
What happened
Abdullahi was picked up by EFCC operatives on Thursday. Investigators say the N701 billion in question passed through or was linked to the Energy Commission during his tenure, with a portion allegedly funnelled into activities connected to the APC governors’ umbrella body. EFCC confirmed the arrest but has not yet announced formal charges.
“Sources within the agency described it as part of a wider investigation into the mismanagement of public resources by government officials,” Arise News reported.
What the N701bn figure means
That is a staggering sum for an agency most Nigerians barely know exists. The Energy Commission of Nigeria handles research and policy on energy — not exactly the kind of body that typically lands at the centre of a multi-billion-naira political financing probe. Investigators are reportedly tracing how funds allocated to the ECN ended up in accounts associated with the PGF, which coordinates APC governors across the 36 states.
There are also allegations some of the money was channelled into electoral spending, according to Arise News. Abdullahi’s office had not responded to requests for comment as of Thursday morning.
The bigger picture
The arrest lands on top of an already burning story. Earlier this week, opposition figures were raising alarms about the N800 billion PGF funding controversy linked to Imo Governor Hope Uzodinma — and now investigators appear to be widening that lens. The EFCC under Olanipekun Olukoyede has been making moves on government officials with unusual frequency. This one, targeting a low-profile federal agency head, signals nobody is too obscure to be investigated.
Abdullahi is expected to face formal charges once EFCC completes its preliminary interrogation.
Sources: ThisDay Live, Arise News
Something we should clarify?
Contact the newsroom
