EFCC invites two Abia ex-commissioners over N22bn Paris Club refund

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Enugu Zone, has invited two former Abia State commissioners for finance for questioning reportedly relating to the spending of N22bn Paris Club refund.
The EFCC said Mr Philip Nto and Mr Obinna Oriaku, who served as Commissioners of Finance and Economic Development in 2014 and 2016 respectively were asked to meet with the agency’s Head Capital Market and Insurance Fraud Section for questioning.

It stated this in a letter dated May 25th, 2021, addressed to Abia Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chris Ezem.
It said the two former commissioners were needed to make certain clarifications regarding some financial transactions in the state within the period of their stay in office.
It said this was in pursuant to section 38(1) and 2 of the EFCC (establishment) Act, 2004.

When contacted, Oriaku confirmed he was invited, promising to honour it.
He said, “I want to make it clear that EFCC invitation is not a crime and cannot be misconstrued as a sentence for crime.
“As commissioner for Finance for four years, it is necessary that I will be invited from time to time to shed light on what happened while I served as commissioner.”
Oriaku said the invitation was based on a petition by one Dr Murice Walton of Mauritz Walton Nigeria Limited on how the state government allegedly held back their payment since 2017.