The Energy Commission of Nigeria has announced the return of its Director-General, Mustapha Abdullahi, days after he was reportedly arrested and questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged financial crimes linked to more than N500 billion.
In a post shared on X on Thursday, the commission declared: “Our Capacity DG is back!” while confirming that Abdullahi had resumed duties at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
The development comes amid growing public scrutiny following reports that EFCC operatives detained the ECN boss over alleged money laundering and procurement-related infractions tied to contracts awarded under the commission.
According to earlier reports, EFCC is probing transactions allegedly involving hundreds of billions of naira, including solar streetlight contracts reportedly linked to companies accused of sharing directors and addresses. Anti-corruption campaign group Network Against Corruption and Drug Trafficking (NACAT) had previously petitioned the presidency and anti-graft agencies over the contracts.
While some reports described the incident as an arrest, Abdullahi’s camp denied he was detained, insisting he merely honoured an invitation from the anti-graft agency as part of ongoing investigations.
The EFCC has yet to officially release detailed findings or formal charges regarding the allegations.
President Bola Tinubu appointed Abdullahi as Director-General of the Energy Commission in October 2023 after years of service in the Nigerian energy and petroleum regulatory space. EFA.
