By Usman Suleiman 

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have reportedly arrested the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, over alleged money laundering and fraud involving about ₦500 billion.

Abdullahi was reportedly arrested in Abuja on Wednesday and is currently in EFCC custody for questioning as investigations into the alleged financial transactions continue.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly arrested the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, over alleged fraud and money laundering involving approximately ₦500 billion.

According to sources within the anti-graft agency, Abdullahi was arrested in Abuja on Wednesday and is currently being detained for questioning in connection with ongoing investigations into alleged financial misconduct linked to the commission.

A source within the EFCC, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly on the matter, confirmed the arrest.

“We have arrested the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, for money laundering offences. He was arrested and is currently in our custody. The money is to the tune of ₦500bn,” the source reportedly said.

As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had not issued an official statement regarding the development.

Efforts to get confirmation from EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, were unsuccessful, as calls and messages sent to him had not been responded to.

The alleged fraud is reportedly connected to ongoing investigations into financial transactions and the management of public funds within the Energy Commission of Nigeria.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Abdullahi as Director-General of the commission on October 24, 2023.

The development adds to a growing number of corruption investigations involving senior government officials and heads of federal agencies across the country.

More details are expected to emerge as investigations continue.