The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, March 18, arrested a staff member of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Kelechi Benwosely Esimogu, in Wuse, Abuja, for her involvement in a multi-million naira contract fraud.
Esimogu was apprehended at approximately 9:30 p.m. without resistance and was then moved to EFCC custody for interrogation.
The arrest follows months of her evading authorities by frequently changing locations across the country.
She was accused of obtaining substantial sums from private firms by promising to secure lucrative contracts within the NDDC.
Esimogu, who also serves as a group pastor with Power City International Church in Port Harcourt, presented herself as having significant influence within the commission to convince her targets.
According to petitions submitted to the anti-graft agency, the promised contracts were never delivered despite payments made in tranches by multiple companies.
The funds were, however, diverted for other purposes, including possible political engagements.
The case expanded after several companies reported similar experiences, prompting a wider investigation into the scheme.
Efforts to reach Esimogu prior to her arrest proved difficult and she failed to honour multiple invitations from the commission.
The commission noted that she had recently been active in Imo state, where she was involved in political mobilisation ahead of forthcoming elections.
The EFCC is now examining financial trails linked to the case to determine whether the proceeds of the fraud were channelled into political activities and outreach efforts in the state.
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