Multiple former NNPC and refinery executives detained as anti-graft agency probes massive corruption in turnaround maintenance projects.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Umar Ajiya Isa, former Chief Financial Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited, over his alleged involvement in a $7.2 billion corruption scandal tied to the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s key refineries.
According to sources within the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, Isa was apprehended in connection with suspicious fund disbursements for the Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) projects of the Kaduna, Warri, and Port Harcourt refineries.
Refinery Rehabilitation Funds Under Scrutiny
The EFCC is investigating the alleged abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and corrupt enrichment through contractor kickbacks by top NNPC officials involved in refinery projects over recent years.
In custody alongside Isa is Jimoh Olasunkanmi, former Managing Director of Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company.
Other key figures currently under probe include:
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Tunde Bakare, ex-MD of Warri Refinery
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Ahmed Adamu Dikko, former MD, Port Harcourt Refinery
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Ibrahim Monday Onoja, also a former MD, Port Harcourt Refinery
All are reportedly under investigation for their roles in managing and allegedly mismanaging billions of dollars earmarked for critical infrastructure rehabilitation.
EFCC Widens Crackdown on Oil Sector Corruption
The EFCC’s crackdown comes amid increasing public scrutiny over Nigeria’s failure to restore its ailing refineries despite massive budgetary allocations.
Sources within the anti-corruption agency say the probe has expanded to cover other high-value NNPC projects, particularly those where contractor kickbacks and fund diversion are suspected.
The arrest signals a broader effort by the EFCC to hold former public officials accountable and recover misappropriated public funds.
