ABUJA — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched a sweeping investigation into former executives of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the recently dismissed managing directors of Nigeria’s three major refineries over the alleged diversion of $2.96 billion earmarked for facility rehabilitation.
Sources within the EFCC confirmed that the probe targets high-ranking individuals connected to the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries. The funds under scrutiny were allocated for the short-term maintenance and revitalisation of these long-troubled oil processing facilities.
Preliminary findings revealed the following breakdown of the disbursed amounts: $1.56 billion for the Port Harcourt Refinery, $740 million for Kaduna Refinery, and $657 million for Warri Refinery.
Two key figures already arrested in connection with the investigation are Ibrahim Onoja, former Managing Director of the Port Harcourt Refining Company, and Efifia Chu, former Managing Director of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company. One of the ex-refinery bosses is reported to have been in EFCC custody for over a week after authorities allegedly uncovered large sums of money in his personal accounts.
A senior EFCC official, speaking under the condition of anonymity, noted that the magnitude of the emerging scandal could potentially rival or even surpass the high-profile “Emefielegate” corruption saga.
As part of its ongoing efforts, the EFCC has requested full financial records from NNPCL, including emoluments and allowances, to facilitate a thorough audit.
At the time of this report, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale had not issued an official statement on the development.
