The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Mustapha Abdullahi, over alleged money laundering involving more than N500 billion.
Sources familiar with the investigation said Abdullahi was arrested in Abuja on Wednesday and is currently being detained by the anti-graft agency for questioning and further investigation.
Although the EFCC has yet to release an official statement on the matter as of press time, officials familiar with the case said investigators are examining financial transactions linked to the alleged diversion and laundering of public funds.
The development has drawn public attention because of the huge amount involved and Abdullahi’s position as head of one of Nigeria’s key government agencies in the energy sector.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is Nigeria’s leading anti-corruption agency responsible for investigating and prosecuting cases involving financial crimes, including money laundering, fraud and abuse of public office. In recent months, the commission has intensified investigations into alleged corruption involving top government officials and public institutions.
Abdullahi was appointed as the third Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on October 24, 2023.
The Energy Commission of Nigeria is the federal agency responsible for coordinating the country’s energy planning, policy research and development. The commission plays a major role in advising the government on energy needs, renewable energy development and long-term energy strategies aimed at improving electricity supply and industrial growth.
Before his appointment, Abdullahi served as Senior Technical Adviser to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji. He is also known in professional circles as a chartered engineer and a member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
His appointment in 2023 was seen by some stakeholders as part of efforts by the Tinubu administration to bring technical professionals into key government positions, especially in sectors linked to energy development and industrial growth.
However, the latest allegations now place the Energy Commission under public scrutiny at a time when Nigerians are facing rising energy costs, unstable electricity supply and growing concerns about transparency in public institutions.
Public reactions to the arrest have been mixed. While some Nigerians welcomed the move and called for a thorough investigation, others urged the EFCC to ensure due process and avoid media trials before the conclusion of investigations.
The EFCC has in the past investigated several high-ranking public officials over allegations of fraud, diversion of public funds and abuse of office. Some cases have led to prosecutions and convictions, while others are still pending in court.
As of Wednesday evening, neither Abdullahi nor officials of the Energy Commission had publicly reacted to the allegations. Efforts to get comments from the commission were reportedly unsuccessful.