Diezani's $153m loot: EFCC guns for ex-NNPC director

As Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) continue to probe the $153m loot by former minister of petroleum resources, Alison Diezani-Madueke, the commission might declare Ben Otti a former Deputy Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation wanted.

According to a report by Punch, Otti, who served as director of finance and accounts at the NNPC, is central to the investigation into the $153m that was allegedly diverted from the account of the NNPC by the then minister of petroleum resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, in 2014.

READ ALSO: JUST IN: 4 dead, several others injured as Fulani herdsmen attack in Niger

A source within the EFCC the managing director of Fidelity Bank, Mr Nnamdi Okonkwo told operatives of the EFCC that he received the money from Otti sometime in 2014.

“When we arrested Okonkwo last year, we were informed that Otti was the one who brought the money to Okonkwo on the instructions of Diezani.

“We have been looking for Otti for several months but he seems to be out of the country. We believe he might be in London, where Diezani is. He is aware that we are looking for him.

“If he refuses to show up, then, we may have no choice but to declare him wanted.”

Meanwhile, EFCC sources also said the commission will decide the fate of the bank executives who were allegedly involved in the fraud.

Some of the bank heads, who were arrested by the EFCC last year include Okonkwo, Wigwe and the Sterling Bank boss, Mr. Yemi Adeola. The Executive Director, Public Sector Account, First Bank, Dauda Lawal, was also investigated.

READ ALSO: Fulani herdsmen takeover Ojukwu’s university

“In two weeks’ time, the court will decide if the forfeiture of the $153m will be permanent. Once we can secure victory, the next step is for the EFCC board to meet. “It is the board that will determine the fate of all the bank chiefs that have been indicted,” a source at the EFCC said.

Source: Legit.ng