AGIP, NNPC Accused Of $72m Fraud, Summoned By Reps Committee

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has summoned the management of AGIP and NNPC for investigation over an alleged $72 million fraud contained in a petition, filed by De Coon Service Limited, which had accused AGIP and NNPC of fraudulently withholding and diverting it funds.

The committee has ordered the parties to appear on June 20th with their briefs, warning that failure to attend may result in the matter being determined in their absence.

Joined in the petition are Mele Kyari, Ali Zara, Ismailia Mohammed and Simbi Wabote.

In the petition, De Coon Service Limited alleged that AGIP, in collaboration with the above named fraudulently withheld and diverted the sum of over $72m belonging to it, and sought the House Committee’s inquest into the matter.

According to the letter of Summons/Hearing notice issued 10th June, 2024 and signed by the Committee chairman, the parties involved are to appear before the committee on 20th June, 2024 with a soft copy and ten hard copies of their brief on the matter.

Part of the letter reads: “Whereas the above named petition is now pending before this Committee and the particulars aforesaid are hereby attached.

“And whereas the petition has been assigned to be heard by the Committee for determination, YOU ARE HEREBY requires to note Section 88 and 89(C) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and appear in person before this Committee on Thursday, 20th June, 2024 at 2.00 Pm or so soon thereafter as the Committee shall direct.”

Those specifically listed for response in the matter are the NAOC Managing Director, Division Manager (Strategic Procurement, one Engr. Dan Jumbo and 4 senior managers plus 2 retired staff of the company: Ronni’s Eronini and John Mpi.

Also invited for response is the Group CEO of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation limited, 6 others and 2 retired staff of the Corporation; the Group CEO of OANDO Limited and one other management staff of the company.

The Chief Executive of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and a retired staff of the commission; the Managing Director of TOTAL E&P, Executive Secretary, Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board as well as the Minister of Petroleum and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry are also invited to give response on the matter.

The letter further warned that any of the parties who fail to attend the hearing may bear the risk of having the matter determined in his/her absence.

(News Express)