Fresh drama has erupted in Nigeria’s energy sector after operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, arrested the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, over an alleged money laundering case involving more than N500 billion.
The arrest came shortly after the conviction of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, in a separate multi-billion naira fraud case.
Sources familiar with the investigation disclosed that the Energy Commission boss was arrested in Abuja on Wednesday and taken into EFCC custody for questioning.
The latest development has triggered intense reactions across political and financial circles. Moreover, many Nigerians are now questioning the growing number of corruption allegations surrounding the nation’s energy sector.
According to sources, EFCC investigators are currently examining several financial transactions connected to the alleged fraud.
The anti-graft agency has not officially released full details about the investigation. However, insiders claimed the case may involve large-scale money laundering activities linked to public funds.
The EFCC money laundering investigation is now being closely monitored due to the huge amount reportedly involved in the probe.
A senior source familiar with the matter confirmed the arrest while speaking anonymously.
“He was arrested in Abuja on Wednesday and is in the custody of the EFCC.
“Investigators are grilling him over alleged money laundering involving more than N500 billion, and he is expected to spend the night at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja,” the source stated.
Meanwhile, attempts to obtain official comments from the EFCC were unsuccessful as of the time this report was filed.
The agency’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, could not be reached for immediate reaction regarding the arrest.
Furthermore, officials at the Energy Commission of Nigeria have also remained silent over the allegations. The arrest has added another layer of pressure on Nigeria’s energy sector, which has faced growing public criticism over transparency and accountability issues.
This is because it came just after former Power Minister Saleh Mamman was convicted in a separate N33.8 billion fraud case.
That conviction had already drawn national attention to financial activities within the country’s power and energy agencies.
In addition, many Nigerians on social media have called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the allegations. Some citizens praised the EFCC for taking action, while others urged authorities to ensure the case is not politicised.
They also stressed that every suspect remains innocent until proven guilty in court.
Despite the growing public attention, the EFCC has not yet announced whether formal charges will be filed against the Energy Commission boss.
Therefore, many Nigerians are waiting to see whether more arrests or discoveries may emerge from the investigation.
For now, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi remains in custody as investigators continue questioning him over the alleged financial transactions.
