Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested a staff member of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Kelechi Benwosely Esimogu, over allegations of a large-scale financial scam linked to purported contract deals.
According to a report by SaharaReporters, Esimogu was arrested on Wednesday around 9:30 p.m. at a hospitality spot in Wuse, Abuja, without resistance and taken into custody for questioning.
The suspect, who also serves as the Group Pastor of Powercity International in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, is accused of obtaining hundreds of millions of naira from private companies under the pretext of securing lucrative contracts within the NDDC.
Sources within the EFCC disclosed that the arrest followed multiple petitions alleging that Esimogu presented herself as having strong influence within the commission and convinced company representatives she could facilitate the award of high-value projects.
“The petitioners claimed that the suspect failed to carry out the agreed job and instead allegedly diverted the funds,” a source said, adding that several attempts to reach her prior to the arrest were unsuccessful.
Investigators further alleged that the suspect had been evading arrest by frequently changing locations and lodging in different hotels.
Another source revealed that payments were made in tranches over time, but the promised contracts never materialised, prompting complaints from affected companies and a broader investigation into the matter.
The EFCC is also probing whether proceeds from the alleged scheme were used for political mobilisation, as Esimogu was reportedly making moves to contest in upcoming elections.
When contacted, EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said he would verify details with the agency but had yet to provide further updates as of the time of filing this report.
The NDDC, established in 2000 under former President Olusegun Obasanjo to drive development in the oil-rich Niger Delta region, has long faced allegations of corruption and mismanagement, which have impacted its mandate.