EFCC Grabs NDDC Insider In Explosive Multi-Million Naira Contract Scam

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have apprehended a staff member of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Kelechi Benwosely Esimogu, over her alleged involvement in a large-scale financial fraud linked to purported contract arrangements.

According to Ireporter Online, the suspect was arrested on Wednesday night at about 9:30 p.m. at a popular hospitality venue in Wuse, Abuja, without resistance, and was subsequently taken into custody for further questioning. Esimogu is also reported to serve as the Group Pastor of Powercity International, a church based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Sources familiar with the investigation disclosed that her arrest followed multiple petitions submitted by private firms accusing her of obtaining hundreds of millions of naira under the pretext of facilitating lucrative contracts within the NDDC. The complainants alleged that she claimed to wield considerable influence within the commission, persuading them of her capacity to secure high-value projects on their behalf.

Investigators were said to have uncovered claims that the suspect failed to deliver on the promised contracts and allegedly diverted the funds for other purposes, including political activities. It was further gathered that prior efforts to invite her for questioning were unsuccessful, as she reportedly evaded arrest by frequently changing locations and lodging in different hotels.

Additional sources revealed that the case involves multiple complainants, with several companies filing similar petitions, prompting a broader and more comprehensive investigation by the anti-graft agency. Payments were reportedly made in instalments over time, but the expected contracts never materialised, leading to formal complaints to the EFCC.

Authorities are also examining whether any of the funds allegedly obtained were channelled into political mobilisation efforts, particularly as the suspect is said to have been active in her home state of Imo, where she had reportedly expressed interest in contesting in upcoming elections.

When contacted, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale stated that he would verify the development but had yet to provide further clarification as of the time of filing this report.