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EFCC begins investigation of 146 NCPC officials over misappropriation of funds
DDM News

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has initiated an investigation into the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) regarding allegations of misappropriation of public funds.
Diaspora digital media (DDM) from a source within the anti-corruption agency revealed that a total of 146 NCPC staff, including both active and retired officers, have been summoned to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja for questioning.
The investigation, which stems from concerns over financial misconduct within the NCPC, has led to the issuance of formal invitations to the affected officials.
These officials are required to report to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on specific dates between January 22 and January 27, 2025.
According to a source familiar with the process, the EFCC has scheduled the questioning of 146 NCPC staff members, all of whom are expected to attend an interview to clarify their roles in the suspected financial irregularities.
In an internal memo dated January 16, 2025, Assistant Director of APD, Chukwura Frank, acting on behalf of the NCPC Executive Secretary, confirmed the EFCC’s invitation.
The memo, titled “Re: Invitation by EFCC on Investigation of Misappropriation of Public Funds,” instructed the NCPC staff to bring their international passports to the EFCC office during their scheduled interview.
This directive has added to the intensity of the investigation, with the staff now facing increased scrutiny.
“I am directed to inform you that the EFCC has invited 146 officers of the Commission (both serving and retired) for an interview and to bring their international passports for this purpose,” the memo read.
It further clarified that the interviews would be conducted at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, beginning at 10:00 am on the designated dates.
Among the senior officials scheduled for questioning are the Assistant Chief Accountant, Principal Procurement Officer, and Principal Planning Officer, who have all been listed for questioning on various days throughout the week.
The memo also detailed the names of other key staff members and officials who are to be questioned in connection with the ongoing investigation.
The EFCC’s action follows concerns that some NCPC officials may have been involved in the misuse of funds allocated for Christian pilgrimage programs.
These funds, meant for organizing pilgrimages, may have been diverted or misappropriated for personal gain or other unauthorized purposes.
The NCPC, a government agency responsible for organizing and facilitating pilgrimages, has come under intense scrutiny in recent weeks, as allegations of financial misconduct have grown in volume.
Efforts to reach the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, for an official statement have been unsuccessful.
Similarly, attempts to contact Celestine Ogugua, the NCPC spokesperson, for comments on the investigation were also unsuccessful.
Despite the lack of comments from official channels, the investigation is ongoing, with the EFCC continuing to pursue leads that may uncover further details about the alleged financial discrepancies.
One anonymous staff member of the NCPC dismissed the situation as routine, downplaying the significance of the investigation.
“It’s just a regular check on the commission’s records. There’s nothing unusual or alarming about it,” the source explained.
The staff member’s perspective, however, contrasts with the gravity of the allegations being investigated by the EFCC, which could potentially lead to serious consequences for those found guilty of financial mismanagement.
The NCPC investigation is part of the EFCC’s broader efforts to combat corruption within public institutions and ensure the proper management of government funds.
With millions of naira reportedly misallocated or diverted over the years, the EFCC is determined to hold public officials accountable for any misuse of funds, especially those intended for programs with significant religious and national importance.
As the investigation progresses, the NCPC and its officials remain under intense scrutiny.
The public will be watching closely to see how the EFCC handles this high-profile case and whether the outcome will lead to reforms within the Commission to prevent future mismanagement of funds.
The outcome of the EFCC’s investigation into the NCPC will likely have significant ramifications for both the staff involved and the larger organization, which oversees one of the most important religious events for Nigerian Christians.
As the investigation unfolds, all eyes are on the Commission and its officials as they face questions about their roles in the management of public funds.
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