ECN boss dismisses arrest reports, says he honoured EFCC invitation

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Director-General, Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, has denied being arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as reported in the media.

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He said this in a statement sent to the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja, while acknowledging that he only honoured an invitation by the commission.

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The statement signed by Alhaji Abdulrasaq Danjuma, his Media Aide, however, said this was in line with due process and respect for the constituted authorities.

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He appealed to the public to avoid speculation, misinformation, sensational commentary, and the circulation of unverified claims that may distort facts, prejudice ongoing processes, or create unnecessary tension.

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He said the public should allow the relevant agencies to carry out their responsibilities so that the facts would emerge through lawful, transparent, and due process.

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“It is important to clarify that he was not arrested, but attended the engagement voluntarily as a responsible public servant committed to transparency and accountability.

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“At this time, we respectfully urge supporters, associates, stakeholders, and members of the public to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding while the appropriate authorities carry out their constitutional responsibilities.

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“It is also important to emphasise that the matters currently in the public domain remain allegations subject to investigation and due legal process.

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“In line with established principles of justice and fairness, every individual is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise by a court of competent jurisdiction,” he said.

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Earlier reports from The Punch late Wednesday night quoted a source who claimed that the ECN DG was in EFCC custody.n

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All efforts to get the agency’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, to comment on the facts surrounding the incident as of press time proved futile.

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A source within the anti-graft agency, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, disclosed that the alleged fraud involves funds estimated at N500bn.

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