Akpabio: Fresh NDDC Allegations Reopen Debate Over EFCC’s Unresolved Corruption Investigations – Otunba Babatunde Olushola Writes

By Otunba DR Babatunde Olushola Senbanjo (BOS)

Renewed political allegations about the management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) have once again drawn attention to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the unresolved status of multiple multi-billion-naira corruption inquiries involving the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio. Speaking at an African Democratic Congress (ADC) political rally at the Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi on Saturday, former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, accused Akpabio, who supervised the NDDC as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, of introducing a 50 per cent deduction on payments due to commission contractors. While Amaechi did not present documentary evidence alongside his verbal remarks, the claim has revived public scrutiny into why previous anti-graft investigations targeting the Senate President stalled without prosecution.

A review of public records shows that between 2015 and 2023, the EFCC opened at least two major inquiries into Akpabio’s public service tenure, neither of which resulted in a court indictment or a formal public clearance.
The ₦108.1 Billion Akwa Ibom File
In October 2015, shortly after leaving office as Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio was invited and interrogated by EFCC operatives in Abuja following a petition alleging the diversion of ₦108.1 billion in state funds between 2007 and 2015. He was released on administrative bail the same day without charges.

In August 2018, following his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Akpabio publicly stated that the petitions against him had been resolved and nothing incriminating was found. However, the EFCC officially refuted the claim at the time, with its spokesperson stating that the commission “does not close cases or give clearance to anybody,” insisting the investigation remained active.

The NDDC Probes and 2023 Summons
In August 2020, while serving as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Akpabio again came under EFCC scrutiny alongside former NDDC Acting Managing Director, Daniel Pondei, after civil society petitions alleged the mismanagement of ₦40 billion and over ₦86 billion in controversial contract awards at the interventionist agency.

Ahead of the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly in 2023, the anti-graft agency issued fresh summonses to Akpabio in March and May of that year regarding the pending Akwa Ibom and NDDC files. Following his appearance at the commission’s headquarters in May 2023 and his subsequent emergence as Senate President in June 2023, prosecutorial momentum appeared to halt entirely.

Unlike former governors who enjoy constitutional immunity while in office, federal lawmakers possess no immunity from criminal investigation or prosecution under Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution.

Unanswered Questions for the EFCC
As public debate intensifies following Saturday’s remarks in Bauchi, civil society observers and accountability advocates are demanding clarity from the current leadership of the EFCC on the fate of the case files.
Key questions requiring an official response from the commission include:

What is the current legal status of the 2015 Akwa Ibom ₦108.1 billion investigation and the 2020 NDDC contract inquiries?

Were these investigations formally discontinued, transferred, or closed following Senator Akpabio’s May 2023 interrogation?