Abuja, Nigeria
Umar Ajiya Isa, former Chief Financial Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has debunked reports claiming he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with an alleged $7.2 billion fraud involving refinery operations.
In an official statement issued on Thursday, Isa clarified that he was neither detained nor coerced, but had voluntarily honoured the EFCC’s invitation for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation.
“I was not arrested. I voluntarily presented myself to the EFCC and have fully cooperated with their investigation,” Isa stated. “Throughout my service at NNPCL, I maintained a clean and transparent record, and I intend to continue cooperating with the relevant authorities.”
The EFCC is currently probing allegations of large-scale financial mismanagement within the NNPCL’s refinery accounts, reportedly amounting to $7.2 billion. While Isa’s name has been linked to the probe, the anti-graft agency has yet to release an official statement detailing his role or confirming the nature of his involvement.
Industry analysts have described the investigation as one of the most significant anti-corruption cases in the oil sector in recent years, with potential implications for past and present executives at the state-owned oil company.
As the investigation unfolds, Isa reiterated his commitment to transparency and expressed confidence that the truth will prevail.
The EFCC has not responded to multiple requests for comment as of the time of this report.