The Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Mustapha Abdullahi, has denied reports claiming he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Abdullahi, in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, clarified that he only honoured an invitation from the anti-graft agency in line with due process and respect for constituted authorities.
The statement, signed by his media aide, Abdulrasaq Danjuma, urged the public to avoid speculation, misinformation, sensational commentary, and the circulation of unverified claims capable of distorting facts or creating unnecessary tension.
According to the statement, relevant authorities should be allowed to carry out their responsibilities through lawful and transparent procedures.
“It is important to clarify that he was not arrested, but attended the engagement voluntarily as a responsible public servant committed to transparency and accountability,” the statement said.
“At this time, we respectfully urge supporters, associates, stakeholders, and members of the public to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding while the appropriate authorities carry out their constitutional responsibilities.”
The statement further stressed that issues currently in the public domain remained allegations subject to investigation and due legal process.
“It is also important to emphasise that the matters currently in the public domain remain allegations subject to investigation and due legal process,” it added.
“In line with established principles of justice and fairness, every individual is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise by a court of competent jurisdiction.”
Efforts to obtain comments from EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale were unsuccessful as of press time.
However, a source within the anti-graft agency, who spoke anonymously because he was not authorised to comment publicly on the matter, alleged that the investigation involved suspected fraud estimated at about N500 billion.
NAN
