The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, over alleged money laundering offences involving funds estimated between N500 billion and N701 billion, with the investigation reportedly linked to the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), the umbrella body of All Progressives Congress (APC) governors.
Abdullahi was arrested on Wednesday in Abuja by operatives of the anti-graft agency, following his failure to honour two different invitations extended to him in respect of an ongoing financial investigation. A warrant of arrest had been obtained prior to his apprehension.
A reliable source at EFCC headquarters confirmed the arrest, stating: “Yes, we have arrested him (the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi), for alleged money laundering offences. Operatives of the commission went after him after he didn’t honour invitation extended to him and is currently in our custody.”
The source told THISDAY that the funds under investigation are to the tune of approximately N701 billion, while a separate source speaking to Daily Trust put the figure at approximately N500 billion.
Multiple reports indicate that the investigation may be connected to the allegations of financial mismanagement levelled against the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma. Uzodinma has faced accusations from some APC governors of failing to properly account for over N700 billion, a controversy that has caused visible tension within the ruling party’s gubernatorial ranks.
The funds were reportedly approved for distribution among APC governors ahead of the 2027 general elections, but the manner of disbursement became a source of fierce disagreement. Some governors accused Uzodinma of misapplying the funds, while others disagreed with the accusation. Approximately 18 APC governors subsequently passed a vote of confidence in Uzodinma’s leadership of the PGF.
The Vice Chairman of the PGF, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, denied reports of a rift within the APC governors’ ranks, describing the tensions as merely a “slight misunderstanding.”
However, the matter has now escalated into a full-blown criminal investigation by the EFCC, with Abdullahi’s arrest representing the first publicly known enforcement action arising from the probe.
Additionally, a former minister from the South-east who resigned from the current administration over forgery allegations was also said to be linked to the investigation involving Abdullahi.
In a swift response, Dr Abdullahi denied being arrested by the EFCC. In a statement issued through his Media Aide, Alhaji Abdulrasaq Danjuma, and sent to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja, the ECN boss acknowledged that he honoured an invitation by the commission but insisted he did so voluntarily.
“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,” the statement read.
Abdullahi 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. He urged supporters, associates, stakeholders, and members of the public to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding while the appropriate authorities carry out their constitutional responsibilities.
The statement further emphasized that the matters currently in the public domain remain allegations subject to investigation and due legal process, and that every individual is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise by a court of competent jurisdiction.
However, the EFCC source directly contradicted Abdullahi’s characterization, maintaining that the ECN boss is “currently in our custody” and that operatives “went after him” specifically because he failed to honour the agency’s invitations.
Dr Mustapha Abdullahi was appointed Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria on October 24, 2023, by President Bola Tinubu, following the exit of his predecessor. The Energy Commission of Nigeria is the statutory body responsible for strategic planning and coordination of national policies in the field of energy.
EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale could not be reached for official comment or confirmation as at the time of filing this report. Multiple calls to his mobile phone were reportedly unsuccessful.
The arrest comes at a sensitive political moment for the ruling APC, as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections. The investigation into the N701 billion and its alleged connection to the Progressive Governors Forum is likely to deepen existing fault lines within the party and raise further questions about the management of political funds under the current administration.
It remains to be seen whether the EFCC’s investigation will extend to other individuals connected to the PGF or the disbursement of the contested funds.
