Agency says ECN boss failed to honour invitations; case tied to allegations of campaign fund mismanagement
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Mustapha Abdullahi, over ₦701 billion allegedly linked to the Progressive Governors Forum, the association of All Progressives Congress governors.
According to a THISDAY report, Abdullahi was arrested in Abuja yesterday after failing to honour two invitations in connection with an ongoing financial investigation. A source at EFCC headquarters confirmed the arrest.
“Yes, we have arrested him for alleged money laundering offences,” the source said. “Operatives went after him after he failed to honour invitations extended to him, and he is currently in our custody. The money is to the tune of about ₦701 billion.”
The report stated that the matter may be connected to allegations of financial mismanagement levelled against PGF Chairman and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma.
The funds were said to have been approved for distribution among APC governors ahead of 2027, but controversy arose over how they were disbursed. Some governors accused Uzodimma of misapplying the money, while others defended him. Eighteen APC governors later passed a vote of confidence in the PGF chairman.
PGF Vice Chairman and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani described the tensions as a “slight misunderstanding” and denied reports of a rift within the forum.
A former minister from the South-east, who resigned earlier under the current administration over forgery allegations, was also said to be linked to the investigation involving Abdullahi.
Abdullahi was appointed DG of the ECN on 24 October 2023 by President Bola Tinubu. Attempts to reach ECN spokesman Dele Oyewale for comment were unsuccessful at the time of filing.
