The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended six senior officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on allegations of involvement in a N6 billion fraud scheme. Currently, the detained officers are undergoing intensive questioning by EFCC interrogators at the commission’s headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, as confirmed by reliable sources to The PUNCH.
Although specific details regarding the investigation remain limited, it has been revealed that the NSCDC officers were handed over to the EFCC on Monday following directives from the NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Audi.
Impeccable sources, speaking on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorization, disclosed that prior to the officers’ arrest, EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, had formally requested their release for interrogation in a letter addressed to the NSCDC CG.
“One of our sources stated, “Six senior NSCDC officers are currently in our custody. They’re being grilled by our investigators over alleged fraudulent activities running into over N6 billion.”
Another source confirmed the development, clarifying, “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 N6 billion fraud.”
Despite attempts to reach the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, for comment, calls and messages went unanswered.
When approached for a statement, NSCDC spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, expressed unawareness of the situation. “I’m not aware of this,” Afolabi conveyed in a succinct WhatsApp message to The PUNCH correspondent on Monday.
The arrest of these high-ranking NSCDC officials underscores the ongoing efforts by the EFCC to combat financial malfeasance and corruption within governmental agencies, signaling a commitment to uphold transparency and accountability in public service.