TRIBUNE

Alleged NPA scam: EFCC may arrest more

Dele Aderibigbe and Folashade Alli, Lagos - 15.08.2008

There are indications that more persons may have been penciled in for arrest as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) continues investigation and prosecution of those arrested in connection with the N82 billion scam at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

Sources told the Nigerian Tribune that the manhunt this time might tilt in the direction of contractors who assisted in the perpetration of the alleged scam.

The EFCC, having done with the Randle Audit Report of 2004 quoted recently by a national daily, coupled with its own independent investigations, felt the need to move for the Nigerian contractors to facilitate smooth prosecution of the ongoing case.

A breakdown of the EFCC record put the money in question at N46,942, N402,776.13; $236, 913, 986.84; £24, 905,588, DM1461, 936.65, Euro 147,926,597, SEK 4.1million.

The record prepared by the Mallam Nuhu Ribadu committee also posited that Chief Olabode George, between 2001-2003, was responsible for contracts valued at N9,386,265,067; $213,655,866; £9,698,508; Euro 47, 204,395.00; and DM9,056,220.00.

The Managing Directors of NPA, Mallam Bello Gwandu, who served between January 2001 and October 2001 awarded contracts valued at N 3,095,953,055.52, $2,414,345.85, Euro701,702.45, DM382, 226.65, SEK3,706,405.30; Mr. Joseph Akagwu, acting Managing Director between November 2001 and April 2002- N1,611,188,705.64, $1,970,865.29, E349,532.17, EURO 110,556.60, DM545,607.96, SEK381,513.40.