NECO boss dismisses N5bn fraud allegation

Chris Agbambu, Abuja - 03.07.2009

THE ongoing investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into an alleged N5 billion scam at the National Examinations Council (NECO), has taken a new dimension, following a written response to the allegations by the agency’s registrar, Professor Promise Okpala.

The development came just as five top officials of the examination body, including the Director of Quantity Assurance, Adolh Nweke; Director of Examination Administration, Philip Duru; Director of Finance and Administration, Isaac Ishola; Director of Corporate Services, Nasir Dantiye and the Director of Examination Development, Gladys Akinkuole, were invited last week by the EFCC for interrogation.

The invitation was precipitated by a petition written by one Mr. Clement Innocent, who claimed to be a member of staff of NECO. The petitioner, accused Professor Okpala and some top officials of arbitrary award of contracts, obtaining a loan of N750 million from three banks without due process, award of a N110 million contract for installation of cybercafés in NECO offices nationwide to one of his brothers, Chief N.O.Okpala, purchase of five cars with public funds for personal use.

However, it was reliably gathered that a written response by the NECO Registrar, Professor Okpala, had set a new twist into the probe.

According to an EFCC source, Okpala not only rubbished the petitioner’s claim of being on the staff of NECO, but had also provided evidence to debunk the allegations against him, as he affirmed that the petitioner was as fictitious just as the content of the petition.