Senate President faults EFCC’s modus operandi

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has disclosed the alleged embarrassment he experienced when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) took action against him, and he criticized the EFCC’s approach in handling high-profile arrests.

Akpabio shared these insights during the Senate screening of Ola Olukoyede, the EFCC’s chair.

Akpabio expressed his views that the EFCC often engages in sensationalism rather than focusing on real investigations.

He recounted his own experience, noting that the EFCC pursued him over a “frivolous petition” and released a letter despite his prior notification that he could not appear. He likened the EFCC’s actions during high-profile arrests to the capture of Pablo Escobar, the legendary Colombian drug kingpin who was assassinated in the 1990s following a global manhunt.

In reference to his own case, Akpabio stated that the EFCC arrested a former governor and entered through the rooftop, which he believed was an undue spectacle. He also mentioned the timing of the incident in relation to the 2023 elections, insinuating that it was intended to embarrass him.

Akpabio called for more thorough investigations before arrests are carried out, criticizing the EFCC’s approach as insufficient.

However, it’s worth noting that in 2021, SaharaReporters reported that the Senate President had been detained after attempting to bribe the then Chairman of the EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa, with $350,000 (approximately N135 million). This alleged attempt at bribery was reportedly made due to the numerous corruption allegations against Akpabio, dating back to his time as governor of Akwa Ibom State. The meeting between Akpabio and Bawa was said to have been arranged by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami. According to sources, it took a call from the Aso Villa to secure the release of Akpabio and his aides.

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Additionally, there have been allegations of N40 billion fraud linked to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), a ministry that Akpabio headed for three years. The EFCC has also been investigating allegations of an N86 billion contract scam involving Akpabio and the former Acting Managing Director of NDDC, Prof. Kemebradikumo Pondei. In the past, Akpabio had been arrested by the EFCC over alleged misappropriation of N108.1 billion of Akwa Ibom state funds.

These developments underscore the ongoing controversies and investigations surrounding Akpabio’s tenure and actions in various roles he has held.