Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Mustapha Abdullahi, in connection with alleged money laundering totaling ₦500 billion.
Sources within the anti-graft agency, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly, disclosed Wednesday that Abdullahi was taken into custody in Abuja.
"We have arrested the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, for money laundering offenses," the official said. "He was arrested and is currently in our custody. The money is to the tune of ₦500 billion."
The investigation reportedly centers on a complex web of financial transactions and the alleged diversion of public funds earmarked for energy-related projects.
While the EFCC has not yet released a formal statement detailing specific charges, the arrest signals an intensifying federal anti-corruption drive within Nigeria’s energy sector.
The news comes as Abdullahi recently dismissed rumors of an arrest, claiming he had simply honored a routine invitation from the agency.
However, there are reports that he remains in detention for intensive questioning as investigators dive into the agency's financial records.
President Bola Tinubu appointed Abdullahi to the post on Oct. 24, 2023.
Before his appointment, Abdullahi served as a senior technical adviser to the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology.
