The former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, has been summoned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for questioning regarding an ongoing investigation into allegations of corruption against him, according to sources.
Against the backdrop of a recent report it has been alleged that President-elect Bola Tinubu has made arrangements to endorse Akpabio’s bid for the Senate presidency.
Allegations of an N40 billion fraud have surfaced in the Niger Delta Development Commission, which was under the leadership of Akpabio for a period of three years.
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Last year, the Senate and the House of Representatives announced an investigation into the purported N40 billion financial misconduct of the Interim Management Committee of the NDDC.
Allegations of contract scams amounting to over N86 billion involving the senator-elect and a former Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Prof Kemebradikumo Pondei, have been under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Ejes Gist News Nigeria reports that the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio, was previously apprehended by the anti-corruption agency on suspicion of embezzling N108.1 billion of state funds.
Former Governor of Akwa Ibom State and current Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, was scheduled to appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on March 29 for questioning. However, his lawyer, Umeh Kalu, SAN, sent a letter to the anti-graft agency claiming that Akpabio was unable to attend due to health issues, specifically pneumonia and cardiac arrhythmia.
According to Kalu, he has requested that the EFCC reschedule the questioning to a later date, as Senator-elect Akpabio is unable to attend the scheduled interview on March 29 due to health concerns. Kalu also stated that Akpabio has already made arrangements for medical appointments abroad.
According to the statement made by the individual, it was mentioned in their previous correspondence dated February 10, 2023, that their client is currently receiving treatment for pneumonia and cardiac arrhythmia. The client has been advised to seek additional medical attention overseas.
In a letter dated March 27, 2023, Kalu respectfully requested that his client’s appointment with the officers be rescheduled to a date that is convenient for them, preferably after the upcoming Easter and Ramadan holidays. The request was made in consideration of the aforementioned circumstances.
According to a letter obtained by SaharaReporters, the latest invitation has been disclosed. Our correspondent has sighted the letter on Friday.
In a letter dated April 13, 2023, which was received by Akpabio’s legal representatives, Seasons Law Firm, it has been revealed that the EFCC has summoned Akpabio to appear at its headquarters in Abuja on May 9, 2023.
In a recent development, a letter has surfaced with the title ‘Investigation Activities Re: Senator Godswill Akpabio’s Appointment Letter Of Invitation’. The letter bears the signature of ACE II SM Ala, who is the Head of CMU-1.
In reference to the subject at hand, I have received a letter dated March 27, 2023. Senator Godswill Akpabio has been requested to appear for an interview with the Head of the CMU-1 team on May 9, 2023, at the EFCC Headquarters located at Plot 301/302 Institutions and Research District. The request was made in light of recent events and the Senator is expected to attend the interview in person. At 10:00 am, the location of Jabi in Abuja was reported.
I think the president elect has named Akpabio and that’s the end. The president elect will make sure he call each senator one after the other and at the end he will emerges as Senate president. I see nothing stopping him.
The efcc will not even charge him to court let alone stop him from contesting.