NewsFirm Drags NSCDC Commandant General To ICPC Over Alleged Misappropriation

Firm Drags NSCDC Commandant General To ICPC Over Alleged Misappropriation

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November 01, (THEWILL) – Phantom Digital Technologies Services Limited has asked the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the Commandant General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NCDC), over alleged misappropriation and diversion of funds.

The firm, through its lawyers, Afe Babalola Chambers, in a petition dated 21st October, writing on behalf of Otunba (Dr) Adejare Adegbenro, said the Commandant General has deliberately refused to pay for the supply of critical equipment he authorised.

The firm claimed it was introduced as a consultant to Audi in the course of business relationships with the Ministry of Defence, through one Alhaji Aminu Kwankwaso, who was at the time a Deputy Commandant General of the NCDC..

According to the petitioner, Audi had requested that the firm bid for the supply of critical equipment and Mikano ZNA pick-ups, which it eventually did.

The petitioner further explained that “A few days later, on 1st June 2021, our client was notified via a letter that it was the preferred bidder for the two items, that is, the supply of critical equipment and Mikano ZNA pick-ups.

“Shortly after that, some sources within the NSCDC informed our client’s alter ego that the first tranche of funds for the execution of our client’s contract had been released.

“He approached Mr Audi, who confirmed the release of the funds but claimed that it formed part of his capital budget even though it was narrated as ” payment for critical equipment and ZNA Pick-Ups”, which were undoubtedly our client’s Mikano ZNA pick-ups.

“As a result, several meetings were held between the parties to resolve the seeming
impasse to no avail.

“Sir, eventually, when the second tranche of funds for critical equipment and ZNA Pick-Ups was released, our client, through its alter ego, once more reached out to Mr Audi
for the release of payments to him so he could perform the contract.

“Mr Audi promised to ensure that our client is paid and even requested our client’s alter ego to accompany him to see the permanent secretary at the Federal Ministry of Finance.

“Our client’s alter ego declined to accompany him, and to date, payments are yet to be made to or received by our client.

“This necessitated a subsequent visit by our client’s alter ego to Mr Audi in his office to release the funds.

“On that day, our client’s alter ego was physically assaulted by officers of the NSCDC attached to Mr Audi. This was in the presence of our client’s alter ego’s sister, Hajia Amb. Fatima Mohammed Goni, who had accompanied him to see Mr Audi.

“Mr Audi insisted that the funds released were being appropriated for other purposes contrary to the provision of Section 22 (5) of the Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission Act, 2000.. ”

The firm is however seeking that the ICPC investigate the Commandant General for alleged misappropriation and diversion of funds

This and other several allegations including Audi making the NSCDC a “personal fiefdom with funds spirited out almost daily”, have recently occupied media space.

One of several allegations alleged that since Audi assumed leadership of the organisation in February 2021, he has awarded different contracts in flagrant violation of procurement processes.

He has also allegedly stopped all payments to contractors he inherited even with their job completion certificates, as well as awarding multi-billion naira contracts without recourse to procedure and due process.

These are in addition to allegations of job racketeering in the recruitment processes of Corps.

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