By Chuks Ehirim
Assistant Editor, North
Jerry Ogbonna, a retired navy captain reportedly accused by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of stealing N45 million, has countered by alleging that the anti-graft agency is shielding officials of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) who have corruption charges hanging on their necks.
He denied being invited by the EFCC, despite the report by a newspaper on Wednesday, December 9 that the case came up at an Ikeja Federal High Court on Tuesday, December 8.
“I was not summoned or invited for any case. All I have seen is the libelous publication on the pages of blogs and social media …. I am referring to the publication that the EFCC has filed a case against me at the Federal High Court, Ikeja,” he explained.
“It appears that whoever published the last campaign has now aligned with my first press statement that I was paid mobilisation of N90 million for the contract I have with Ministry of Petroleum Resources for the lease of helicopters for the DPR.
“The last publication has exposed the falsehood and lies from the team that is engaged in a media war against me.”
Ogbonna accused the EFCC of turning its searchlight on innocent Nigerians, while shielding some government officials who have corruption allegations against them, and becoming a “debt collector” a bank.
“I am still at a loss as to why EFCC an agent of government can be used to smear me in a matter which is purely a commercial transaction. What interest are they serving in this instance?
“I will also remind the EFCC that a report of blatant corruption was made to them by me with evidence and it has decided to prosecute me instead of the culprits who should by now be in jail ….
“They have also chosen to develop amnesia and claim that I should bring the relevant documents which show that I reported a case of bribery against personnel of the DPR.
“The documents are in their file and their officer, Niyi, will show them the file if they decide to ask him.
“It is totally ridiculous that we have an agency that makes so much noise against individuals without achieving any legal success because every action of investigation is geared towards personal benefit.
“It is clear to me that in this matter EFCC is acting as debt collector for Diamond Bank in a matter which is purely a commercial venture and that is not criminal in nature.”
Ogbonna insisted that his hands are clean and he conducts himself in a “most efficient and honest manner” in his dealings.
“In the contract with Ministry of Petroleum I have followed all due process at every stage of the contract.
“What the EFCC should be investigating is why N2.5 billion was disbursed to the Ministry of Petroleum between 2012 and 2014 from the Ministry of Finance for this project and all the funds were stolen except the N90 million which was paid to my company.”
He urged President Muhammadu Buhari to probe the contract for the lease of three helicopters to investigate crude oil theft.
“I have all the evidence with me. The EFCC is chasing after the wrong person … The president should appoint independent people to probe this contract and recover monies disbursed to the DPR.”
EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwagierin, could not be reached for comment. He did not answer calls to his telephone line or respond to a text message.