The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in its fight against corruption has delved into project management fraud that has been going on in the Niger Delta Development Commission over the years.
The beam of investigative searchlight into the High level project management fraud in the Niger Delta Development Commission has resulted in the arrest of Engr. Roberts A. Obioha, director in charge of project management.
It is believed that the Director is in the know of many cases of contract-splitting which has cost the commission a lot of money with nothing to show for it.
The Niger Delta Development Commission due to the high level of project management fraud has incurred huge debts amounting to about N2 trillion as a result of contract-splitting which clearly violates the Public Procurement Act.
Reports have it that after his (Obioha’s) arrest and questioning by the EFCC Operatives, he offered the Head of the EFCC Zonal Office in Port Harcourt the sum of N150,000 to buy recharge card.
The EFCC Spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren on Tuesday explained the situation, he said; “The suspect who is under investigation with the commission was invited to write a statement in a case of contract splitting and over- inflation. He was quizzed and offered administrative bail, but when he reported the next day to perfect his bail, he went to the Zonal Head’s office and offered him the sum of N150,000 to buy recharge card,”
The arrested suspect, Mr. Obioha claimed the offer of the N150,000 to the Head of the EFCC Zonal Office in Port Harcourt was aimed at creating and building a good relationship with him. Obioha will soon be charged to court for offering bribe to the operative.