Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested a staff member of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Pastor Kelechi Benwosely Esimogu, over alleged involvement in a large-scale financial scam tied to fake contract deals.
Esimogu, who is also the Group Pastor of Powercity International in Port Harcourt, was reportedly arrested on Wednesday night around 9:30 p.m. at a hospitality spot in Wuse, Abuja. She was taken into custody without resistance and is currently being questioned by investigators.
Sources within the EFCC said the arrest followed multiple petitions from private companies accusing her of collecting hundreds of millions of naira under the guise of facilitating lucrative contracts within the NDDC. She allegedly claimed to have strong influence within the commission and convinced the firms she could secure high-value projects for them.
However, the petitioners alleged that the promised contracts never materialised and that the funds were instead diverted, with some claims suggesting the money may have been used for political activities.
Investigators also disclosed that several attempts to invite her for questioning were unsuccessful, as she reportedly avoided contact and frequently changed locations. This prompted a broader investigation after more companies came forward with similar complaints.
According to sources, payments were made in instalments over time, but no contracts were delivered, leading to formal petitions to the EFCC. Authorities are now also examining whether any of the alleged proceeds were used for political mobilisation, as Esimogu had reportedly been active in her home state of Imo with plans to contest in upcoming elections.
When contacted, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said he would verify the details but had yet to provide an update at the time of reporting.
The NDDC, established in 2000 to drive development in the oil-rich Niger Delta, has long faced allegations of corruption, with concerns over abandoned projects and questionable expenditures continuing to affect its mandate.
