EFCC Arrests NNPC Officials Over $7.2bn Warri Refinery Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Umar Ajiya Isa, the former Chief Financial Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited, in connection with an alleged \$7.2 billion fraud.

Isa was picked up on Monday over his role in the release of funds meant for the Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) of the Warri, Kaduna and Port Harcourt refineries. Despite years of heavy funding, the three refineries have recorded little to no production.

EFCC sources said Isa was detained alongside Jimoh Olasunkanmi, a former Managing Director of the Warri Refinery. Both are being questioned over alleged diversion of funds, abuse of office, and receiving kickbacks from contractors handling the refinery projects.

Other officials under investigation include Tunde Bakare, current Managing Director of the Warri Refinery; Ahmed Adamu Dikko, former Managing Director of Port Harcourt Refinery; and Ibrahim Monday Onoja, also a former Managing Director of the Port Harcourt Refinery.

The EFCC has not yet released an official statement as investigations are ongoing.