Coalition urges quick EFCC probe of BPP, backs petition alleging corruption 

A coalition of civil society organisations under the aegis of the Conference of Civil Society for Transparency and Accountability, COCTA, has written to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, throwing its weight behind a petition earlier submitted by a legal practitioner, Musa Aliyu, Esq., over alleged corruption at the Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP.

In a letter to the EFCC, signed by its Convener and National Coordinator, Olumuyiwa Onlede, after a protest in Abuja, COCTA said it was formally reaffirming the petition, which raised serious allegations against the Director-General of the BPP, Dr Adebowale Adedokun, and his Chief of Staff, Mr Olanrewaju Obasa.

COCTA, however, clarified that the issues highlighted are allegations already before the EFCC and should not be construed as findings or conclusions of guilt by the organisation.

According to the group, the petition already before the EFCC alleges, among other things, the operation of proxy and unofficial bank accounts purportedly linked to the BPP Director-General and/or his Chief of Staff, as well as the alleged demand or receipt of foreign exchange and other financial inducements in connection with the issuance of /’Certificates of No Objection’.

Other allegations reportedly contained in the petition include “the alleged receipt of vehicles and other forms of gratification from contractors doing business with the Bureau, “the alleged operation of more than 100 bank accounts said to have been facilitated through the Chief of Staff, and broader claims of corruption, abuse of office, and violations of procurement laws and ethical standards.”

COCTA noted that if the allegations are verified, they would amount to grave misconduct and systemic abuse capable of undermining Nigeria’s public procurement framework.

The organisation stressed that the gravity of the claims warrants an urgent, comprehensive, and impartial investigation by the EFCC to safeguard public confidence in the procurement system and ensure accountability within an institution charged with enforcing procurement integrity nationwide.

As part of its requests, COCTA called on the EFCC to immediately commence a thorough investigation into all the allegations contained in the petition. It also urged the Chairman of the Commission to recommend to the President the suspension of the BPP Director-General pending the outcome of the investigation, to allow for an unhindered and fair probe.

The group further requested that all individuals allegedly involved, directly or indirectly, be invited and investigated in line with due process, and that the EFCC provide periodic updates to the public, consistent with legal and operational guidelines.

COCTA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the EFCC’s anti-corruption mandate and called on the Commission to treat the matter with urgency in the interest of justice, public accountability, and national integrity.

Reacting to the fresh calls for EFCC action, the Head of Press and Public Relations at the BPP, Mr Zira Zika, said the BPP is well aware of the petition, and that the EFCC is handling the matter while his office is patiently awaiting the outcome.

He noted that the officers named in the petition, including the DG and his chief of staff have visited the EFCC over the allegations.

Coalition urges quick EFCC probe of BPP, backs petition alleging corruption