Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have reportedly arrested the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, over alleged money laundering offences involving an estimated N500 billion.
Sources within the anti-graft agency disclosed on Wednesday that Abdullahi was arrested in Abuja and is currently being detained by the commission for questioning and ongoing investigations.
According to a senior EFCC source who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly on the matter, the investigation centres on alleged financial transactions linked to massive funds reportedly traced to the Energy Commission under Abdullahi’s leadership.
“We have arrested the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, for money laundering offences,” the source said.
“He was arrested and is currently in our custody. The money involved is estimated to be about N500 billion,” the official added.
Although details of the alleged transactions and the exact nature of the offences were not immediately disclosed, sources within the commission indicated that investigators are examining financial records and transactions connected to the agency.
The EFCC has yet to issue an official statement confirming the arrest or providing further details about the allegations.
Efforts to obtain confirmation from the spokesperson of the commission, Dele Oyewale, were unsuccessful as calls and messages sent to him were not responded to as of the time of filing this report.
The reported arrest has, however, generated attention within political and administrative circles given Abdullahi’s position as head of a major federal agency responsible for energy planning, policy coordination, and renewable energy development in Nigeria.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had appointed Abdullahi as Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria on October 24, 2023, as part of efforts to reposition the nation’s energy sector.
Before his appointment, Abdullahi was known to have served in various capacities within Nigeria’s energy and public policy sectors.
The Energy Commission of Nigeria plays a key role in coordinating national energy policies, promoting energy efficiency, and advising the Federal Government on energy planning and sustainability initiatives.
The latest development comes amid intensified anti-corruption investigations by the EFCC involving public officials and government agencies across the country.
The anti-graft agency has in recent months expanded investigations into alleged cases of money laundering, diversion of public funds, abuse of office, and financial misconduct involving serving and former government officials.
As of Wednesday evening, neither Abdullahi nor officials of the Energy Commission of Nigeria had publicly reacted to the allegations or the reported arrest.
Further developments are expected as investigations continue and the EFCC determines whether formal charges will be filed against the embattled official.
