EFCC Uncovers $1.3 Billion Transferred From NNPC Account On Jonathan’s Order

In the never ending battle against corruption, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) detectives have uncovered another withdrawal of $1.3 billion made by former Petroleum minister, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke on the directive of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.

The money which was removed from the accounts of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) was neither authorized by the National Assembly nor the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

Former Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, is also believed to be unaware of the deductions.

Diezani Alison-Madueke is reported to have only relied on a memo from ex-President Goodluck Jonathan without recourse to the board of the NNPC.

A former Group Executive Director, Finance and Accounts of NNPC, Mr. Bernard Otti, has been quizzed by the EFCC over the money.

Otti is said to have also made available to the EFCC some documents, including approvals to withdraw the $1.3 billion by Mrs Alison-Madueke.

In two other instances, Jonathan wrote on two other requests mandating the former minister to take part of the cash from either NNPC Security Vote Account or from the “Gas Fund”.

According to reports, the cash was to fight kidnapping and other security threats in the Niger Delta, according to The Nation.