The Peace Corps of Nigeria, PCN, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, of acting in bad faith following the arraignment of its National Commandant, Dr. Dickson Akoh, and Director of Finance, Omolola Aminat Ahmed, at the FCT High Court in Abuja on Thursday.
A statement signed by the Media Consultant to Nigeria Peace Corps, Patriot Apeh Peterhot,
on Friday, the organisation says the charges filed by the EFCC stem from what it described as a purely civil contractual transaction between the Peace Corps and Jethel Nigeria Global Resources Limited.
The Corps argues that the contract awarded in July 2024 for the production of badges and related kits, became difficult to service after its National Secretariat in Abuja was allegedly sealed off by the Police, preventing it from distributing the items and recovering funds.
The Peace Corps explained that the matter had earlier been investigated by the Office of the Inspector General of Police, which reportedly concluded that the dispute was a business transaction and facilitated a repayment agreement.
In line with this, the organisation said it paid ₦20 million to the contractor on December 9.
However, the PCN expressed shock that Jethel petitioned the EFCC despite the Police-mediated agreement, leading to what it described as harassment and intimidation by EFCC operatives.
It alleged that its Director of Finance was detained while presenting proof of the ₦20 million payment, and that Dr. Akoh was also arrested when he went to secure her release.
The Corps criticised the EFCC for acting as a debt recovery agency and ignoring court orders, including a ruling delivered in August directing the commission to maintain the status quo in the contract dispute.
It also noted a separate order in April restraining Jethel from taking adverse actions against Dr. Akoh.
According to the statement, to the Peace Corps is demanding the withdrawal of charges against its officials and the deletion of what it called “damaging” publications made by the EFCC on social media.
The organisation urges its members and the public to remain calm and law-abiding as it seeks redress.
