NECA DG, PRESIDENT AND OTHERS IN CUSTODY FOR FRAUD, THEFT AND MISAPPROPRIATION OF FUND

Olusegun Balogun

NECA Director-General, President and others arrested for for fraud and misappropriation 

The Director-General of Nigeria Employers' Consultative Association (NECA) has been arrested by the Nigeria Police Force for various allegations of fraud, theft and misappropriation of public funds. Information reaching us has linked the DG with cases of diversion of funds for personal use, theft and other financial crimes.

In addition, the Director of Legal, Mr Thompson Akpabio and the Director of Socio-Labour Affairs Mrs Adenike Adebayo-Ajala were also arrested for similar cases including compromising the values and ethical conduct of the Association and corporate governance. Others who were arrested included, the Association’s Project Executive, Mr Seun Amigun.

It was gathered that the Director-General who is less than two years in office has been acquiring properties in Lagos and Ibadan. He also diverted funds in the name of purchasing a generator for his residence as well as 18 Apple Ipads which were given to politicians for personal favours. There is an allegation of Trustfund Pensions Dividend accrued to NECA but never reported as income to the Association. The said dividends usually ends up in private accounts.

The arrest which has now been confirmed was done following an invitation by the Police Force. It was gathered that the Police had issued a first invitation on the 26th of June. However, the Director-General and the others ran away from Abuja while they confirmed they would be in attendance. To avoid being declared wanted and possible public knowledge of the allegations, all invited were present for interrogation today at the Police Command with the exception of the President who had suddenly called in sick. It was gathered that the Director-General came with three Senior Advocates of Nigeria to plead himself out of being detained. The second invitation letter was addressed to the Governing Council of the Association and its Management Committee. 

When we reached out to one of the Governing Council Members to corroborate the invitation, he denied knowledge of any letter or any allegation of fraud. However, he confirmed that such a letter may have been issued but withheld from the Governing Council to conceal the crime. According to the Council member who preferred to be anonymous, he said "usually, when something like this occurs, there should be an internal investigation to run alongside the police investigation. And for that to happen, all affected persons must be suspended until investigations are concluded. Additionally, the President has to step aside. Fraud and theft of public fund is a serious matter. We will not allow this to be swept under the carpet. Whether innocent or not, an investigation must take place. We have to rise up to the occasion to do the right thing"

The Nigeria Employers Consultative Association is the umbrella organization of private sector employers in Nigeria. Formed in 1957, the Association produced notable and well respected Director-Generals such as the late Christopher Imoisili, Mr Olusegun Oshinowo and the late Dr Timothy Olawale.

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