The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has
arrested a popular Abuja socialite who is also a top official of the Nigerian
Prisons Service, Dr (Mrs) Imaobong Akon Esu-Nte.
The suspect, a Grade Level 14
Officer with the Federal Ministry of Finance seconded to the Nigerian Prison
Service as Head, Capital Accounts, was picked up Tuesday May 6 by operatives of
the anti graft agency. And for several hours, she was grilled by investigators
over allegations bordering on corruption, abuse of office and money laundering.
EFCC officials said they received tip-off regarding the suspect’s lifestyle which was inconsistent with her position as a
public servant on a monthly salary of N121, 460 ($751).
The suspect owns several exotic cars and properties scattered
over the (Federal Capital Territory) Abuja. Among her properties is a palatial
mansion, a duplex with two-bedroom Boys Quarters at Sun City Estate, Abuja and
another duplex at Karu Extension, Abuja, which is nearing completion.
Three luxury automobiles were recovered from her at the time
of arrest. They include a Mercedes Benz ML 350 4matic wagon, Mercedes Benz GL
500 SUV and a Toyota Sienna.
EFCC sources said Imaobong's arrest was triggered by
intelligence report on suspicious inflow of huge funds into her account with a
new generation bank.
Close scrutiny of the account by investigators literally
opened a can of worms, as it came to light that the suspect is the promoter and
signatory to the accounts of three companies: Abasiaga Global Resources Limited,
Abasiono Nigeria Limited and Ememima Global Ventures Limited, the companies
were established after she was posted to the Nigerian Prison Service and all
the directors are her children (Dr. Etsu Daniel, Eme Faith and Uwen David).
She is also the owner of two other companies- Darima
Properties and ID Petroleum
Sources revealed that several cash and cheque deposit into
the accounts of these companies and the personal account of Imaobong in Zenith
and Access bank could not be justified. The accounts of her companies are said
to have recorded an inflow of not less than N200million between 2009 and now.
Another startling discovery by investigators for which the
suspect has failed to provide an explanation, is the nearly N60million she paid
in various tranches into the account of Redeem Christian Church of God, a
prominent pentecostal church in Karu, a suburb of Abuja. ‘There are instances
in which she paid N5m, N7m and N6m into the church’s account. Obviously this
cannot be tithe an EFCC investigator told SaharaReporters.
She must explain the source of the funds and the purpose for
which the payments were made”, one of the investigators who pleaded not to be
named because he was not authorized to speak on the matter said.
Equally shocking, is the discovery of five names that
consistently (on monthly basis) paid money into the private accounts of
Imaobong at Zenith and Access bank since she arrived at the Nigerian Prisons
Service as Head, Capital Accounts.
At press time, the socialite was still facing interrogators,
unable to explain her sudden wealth. Sources informed SaharaReporters that she
told her interrogators that she made her money doing contracts, contrary to
provisions of the public service rule that forbids a serving officer to
establish companies or prospect for contracts.
Spokesman of the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren while confirming the
arrest warned public officers engaged in corrupt practices to desist or risk
the wrath of the law. He said the agency was determined to ensure that officers
who abuse their positions for self enrichment are brought to book.
He equally pleaded with the members of the public to stop
celebrating corruption by asking questions when it is obvious that the
lifestyle of certain persons can not be supported by their known sources of
income.
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