Senate orders the arrest of NDDC management over N2.6 billion palliative fraud

The Senate Committee on Public Petition, Ethics and Privileges released a warrant for the arrest of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Chairperson of the Committee, Senator Ayo Akinyelure issued an order following the failure of the Board of Directors to respect the invitation of the Senate to account for how the amount of N2.6 billion of palliative funds released by the Federal Government has been spent.

It was found that the Senate panel, which started an investigation into the suspected misappropriation of N2.6 billion palliative funds, found it difficult to get the management of the NDDC challenged.

The petition was made by the NDDC palliative chairman, Mr Jackrich Sobomabo, who insisted that the fund to be disbursed under his oversight had been diverted by the NDDC administration.

Speaking after the arrest warrant, Mr. Jackrich Sobomabo regretted how he placed his energies and money into handling the palliative before the NDDC administration allegedly misappropriated the funds.

“I was appointed the palliative Chairman, but when the sum of N2.6 billion was released by the Federal Government, the NDDC management spent the fund without my knowledge.

“It’s unfortunate that they have been evasive when the Senate Committee wanted them to come and explain how the fund was spent.

“If they eventually come around and explain satisfactorily, I will be alright, but they must appear to explain how the fund was disbursed.

He expressed optimism that the Nigerian Senate would bring the perpetrators to book.