The
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested and detained a
Commissioner of Police, Victor Onofiok, over alleged N1.9 billion fraud.
The
suspect, who was being detained at press time, was alleged to have favoured
companies close to him in the award of contracts.
A
top source in the anti-graft agency said: “A serving Commissioner of Police,
Victor Onofiok, is being grilled by operatives of the EFCC over a N1.9 billion
fraud.
“Onofiok,
who is the CP Works at the Force Headquarters, was detained on November 30
after he was released for interrogation by the police.
“The
officer, who has been CP Works since 2014, is alleged to have awarded contracts
worth more than N1.9 billion to ‘companies’ in which he has interest.
“The
companies include Dutse Allah Construction Ventures; Nne-Edak Technical
Ventures; Puristic Adherent Company; Quality Watch Construction Company and
Faksene International.
“These
entities were found to be mere business names and not limited companies.”
As
at press time, it was gathered that the EFCC was still trailing some likely
accomplices of the suspect.
The
source added: “So far, the CP is still in detention, but we cannot rule out
likely accomplices. We are considering all clues.
“I
can assure you that all those connected with the fraud will be brought to book.
“We
have however intensified investigation.”
A
police source said: “Based on a request to the IGP, Onofiok, who was elevated
to the post of CP on January 23, 2014, was released to EFCC.
“We
are awaiting the outcome of the police preliminary investigation before we can
talk of the next disciplinary action against him.”
The
uncovering of the N1.9bn fraud at the Force Headquarters came about 11 years
after a former Inspector-General of Police, Tafa Balogun, was arrested and
tried for N5.7 billion fraud.
Source:The Nation
Tags
Society