By our reporter 24-6-2025
A former chief financial officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Umar Isa Ajiya has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The arrest according to reports hinges on the alleged embezzling of a $7.2 billion fund meant for the rehabilitation of the Kaduna, Warri, and Port Harcourt refineries.
Isa, while acting as the CFO of the NNPCL was in charge for the distribution of funds for the turnaround maintenance of the three refineries. EFCC sources said he is under investigations for alleged abuse of office, corruption, fund diversion, and kickbacks from contractors.
Jimoh Olasunkanmi, an ex-managing director of Warri refinery, is also in the commission’s custody, according to sources close to the development.
“Others under investigation include Tunde Bakare, managing director of Warri Refinery; Ahmed Adamu Dikko, former managing director of Port Harcourt Refinery; and Ibrahim Monday Onoja, former managing director of Port Harcourt Refinery,” said the EFCC source.
The NNPCL under Mele Kyari had claimed in November 2024 that the Port Harcourt refinery was now back on stream, but the claim was disputed by members of the host community who alleged that it was just a charade.
In May the Port Harcourt Refinery management announced that the plant would be shut down for the maintenance repairs.