Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested Pastor Kelechi Benwosely Esimogu, a staff member of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), over allegations of a large-scale contract scam involving hundreds of millions of naira.
According to reports, Esimogu was apprehended on Wednesday night at about 9:30 p.m. at a popular hospitality venue in Wuse, Abuja. The arrest was reportedly carried out without resistance, after which she was taken into custody for interrogation.
Esimogu, who also serves as a group pastor at Powercity International in Port Harcourt, is accused of collecting large sums of money from private companies under the pretense of securing lucrative contracts from the NDDC.
Petitioners alleged that she claimed to have strong influence within the commission and convinced them she could facilitate the award of high-value projects. However, the promised contracts reportedly never materialized.
Sources say the funds were instead diverted, with some allegedly linked to political activities. Multiple companies are said to have filed similar petitions, prompting a wider investigation into the case.
Payments were reportedly made in installments, but efforts by both the complainants and authorities to reach her were initially unsuccessful, as she allegedly evaded arrest by frequently changing locations.
A source noted that she had been invited for questioning several times but failed to comply. She was also reportedly active in Imo State, where she was said to be involved in political mobilization ahead of upcoming elections.
Authorities are now investigating whether proceeds from the alleged scheme were used to fund political activities.
