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Minister Akpabio Speaks On “Arrest & Detention” By EFCC
Reports by some news spotters claim Akpabio was arrested and detained for allegedly offering $350,000 bribe
Minister of Niger Delta Affairs Godswill Akpabio has reacted to report of arrest and detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Reports by some news spotters claim Akpabio was arrested and detained for allegedly offering $350,000 bribe to the anti-corruption agency chairman Abulrasheed Bawa.
Reacting to the claims, the Minister through his media person Aniette Ekong stated that “For the information of the general public, the Honourable Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio has no reason to offer a bribe to the new Chairman of the EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa and never did.
“On Wednesday, April 14, 2021 the Honourable Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio through a telephone call sought audience with the new Chairman of the EFCC to discuss the transfer of funds belonging to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in respect of the 3% statutory remittances from Oil and Gas Companies in the custody of the EFCC.
“President Muhammadu Buhari had since December 2020 approved the transfer of monies earlier paid by International Oil Companies into the CBN/EFCC account now to be transferred to the CBN/NDDC account.”
A report monitored by societynow.ng on thenationonlineng.net credit Akpabio’s spokesperson with claims that the meeting which started at about mid-day was shifted till about 5.00p.m at the instance of the Minister.
Akpabio reportedly pushed the completion of the meeting forward to enable him attend a 1.30p.m security meeting with select South-South/South-East leaders and Governors in the Office of the National Security Adviser.
According to statement issued by Anniette Ekong ““The Minister returned to the office of the EFCC chairman at about 5.45 pm and departed thereafter at about 6.20 pm after very resourceful deliberations.
“There was no issue of detention and Senator Akpabio could not have carried $350,000 into the office of the Chairman of the EFCC as he went there without a bag or a container.
“The EFCC Chairman Bawa gave useful and intelligent advice on the methodology of achieving success in the ongoing forensic audit of the NDDC.
“The Minister sought the cooperation of the EFCC to actualise recoveries of further 3% levies due to the Commission still being owed by some Oil and Gas Companies.”
