NPTF Scandal: Why ICPC Invited DG Budget, Dangote Executive Director
The invitation extended to Director General Budget Office, Mr. Ben. Akabueze and Executive Director at Dangote Groups, Engr. Mansur Ahmed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) was not because they were indicted but for them to shed light on the alleged procurement scandal rocking the Nigerian Police Trust Fund (NPTF).
Credible sources at the anti-corruption agency told PRNigeria that Akabueze and Engr. Mansur, who are non-executive board members of the NPTF, were not under investigation.
Akabueze, as the DG Budget Office of the federation, represents the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning while Engr. Ahmed of Dangote represents the Organized Private Sector as the President of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).
A report by PRNigeria on September 14, 2021, said the ICPC invited ex-Inspector General of Police Suleiman Abba and seven others to appear over a probe into N11 billion contracts by the NPTF.
Also being probed is the spending of the N1.6 billion take-off grant for the organisation.
“They were only invited as witnesses to assist with their investigation,” one of the sources, hinted.
PRNigeria’s checks also revealed that Engr. Ahmed and Mr. Akabueze are on the board of the NPTF in non-executive capacities and are not part of the management.
“At the request of the IGP, who is also a member of the Board, the NPTF approved the purchase of some items for the Police.
“The Board had no involvement in the actual procurement of these items, or any other items purchased by the NPTF, based on the procedures outlined to it by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
“The procurements were handled between the NPTF Management, Min. of Police Affairs, NPF and BPP,” a source privy to ICPC investigation said.
Meanwhile, Suleiman Abba, who is Chairman of NPTF was shocked by the invitation over contracts and deals he claimed not to know anything about.
The Executive Secretary and Accounting Officer of the Fund, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu who was a former Deputy Governor in Sokoto State is yet to be invited.
The management staff invited in a letter of invitation signed by Director of Operations ICPC, Akeem Lawal are Director, Legal Services, Mrs. Victoria Ojogbane; Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Alh. Yahaya Mohammed; Director, Finance and Account, Mr. Lawal Gunjunju; Special Assistant, Technical, Mr. Salihu Abubakar; Director, Human Resources and General Services, Dr. Femi Akinfala.
By PRNigeria
