The former Chief Finance Officer (CFO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Alhaji Umar Ajiyia Isa, has refuted reports alleging that he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged involvement in a $7.2 billion refinery fraud.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Isa clarified that he was not arrested but rather voluntarily honoured an invitation extended to him by the anti-graft agency.
“Nobody arrested me for any $7.2 billion in relation to any refinery fraud,” Isa said. “I voluntarily submitted myself for questioning to the EFCC and thereafter I went home. Seeing false media reports about my arrest over fraud is unfortunate.”
Isa maintained that he served at NNPCL with integrity and left the company without any stain on his record.
“No one has ever accused me of any wrongdoing during my time at the company. Those spreading this false narrative of arrest and detention are simply out to smear my reputation,” he stated.
He further emphasized his willingness to cooperate with the authorities, saying, “I am in this country and will always honour any invitation by the EFCC at any time.”
Meanwhile, Isa is reportedly among several former NNPCL officials currently under investigation by the EFCC for alleged abuse of office and other related allegations. Others said to be under scrutiny include Tunde Bakare, Managing Director of Warri Refinery; Ahmed Adamu Dikko, former Managing Director of Port Harcourt Refinery; and Ibrahim Monday Onoja, also a former Managing Director of the Port Harcourt Refinery.
