EFCC Arrests Energy Commission DG Over N500bn Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Mustapha Abdullahi, Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), over alleged money laundering offences involving more than N500 billion.
Abdullahi was picked up in Abuja on Wednesday and is currently in EFCC custody for further investigation. The agency’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, was unavailable for comment at the time of reporting.
President Bola Tinubu appointed Abdullahi as ECN DG in October 2023, after over a decade of service at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
In December 2025, civil society group Network Against Corruption and Drug Trafficking (NACAT) petitioned Tinubu, EFCC, and ICPC, alleging corruption at the commission.
NACAT accused Abdullahi of running a “well-coordinated scheme” involving the illegal award of solar streetlight contracts worth hundreds of millions to five companies allegedly owned by the same individuals.
The group claimed the firms were all registered within a week in late October and early November 2023, shared similar Abuja addresses, and had overlapping directors — in violation of Nigeria’s procurement laws.
NACAT described the alleged scheme as a betrayal of public trust, urging authorities to investigate and prosecute those involved.
The arrest marks another high-profile anti-graft case under Tinubu’s administration, as EFCC intensifies scrutiny of public officials accused of diverting funds meant for national projects.
