EFCC
Susan Abayomi
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arrested Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, in Abuja on May 13, 2026, over allegations of money laundering involving more than ₦500 billion. According to EFCC sources, he was picked up by operatives and is being held at the commission’s headquarters for questioning while investigators examine financial transactions linked to the case.
The arrest comes less than two years after Abdullahi was appointed by President Bola Tinubu on October 24, 2023. Before leading the Energy Commission, he spent over a decade at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission. The ECN is the federal agency responsible for energy planning, policy coordination, and promoting sustainable energy development, which makes the scale of the alleged fraud a major concern for the sector.
EFCC investigators say the probe centers on suspicious financial movements running into hundreds of billions of naira. A senior source told multiple outlets that “the money is to the tune of ₦500bn” and that tracing the flow of funds is ongoing. As of the time of reporting, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale had not issued an official statement, and no formal charges had been filed in court.
The investigation appears linked to a petition filed in December 2025 by the Network Against Corruption and Drug Trafficking. NACAT accused the commission’s leadership of a “well-coordinated scheme” involving the award of solar streetlight contracts worth hundreds of millions to five companies allegedly owned by the same individuals. The group claimed the firms were registered within a week, shared Abuja addresses, and had overlapping directors, alleging violations of Nigeria’s procurement laws.
Abdullahi’s detention follows the recent conviction of former Power Minister Saleh Mamman for a ₦33.8 billion fraud case, suggesting the EFCC is intensifying scrutiny of energy sector finances. The timing has put the Energy Commission under public focus, with attention on whether more officials will be implicated as the investigation expands.
As of Wednesday night, Abdullahi was still in EFCC custody and expected to spend the night at the headquarters. Legal experts note that under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, the commission has a limited window to either charge him or release him unless a court grants an extension. The outcome of the interrogation will determine if the case moves to prosecution.
The development adds to a growing list of high-profile corruption probes involving public officials under the current administration. For the Energy Commission, it raises questions about internal controls and oversight in managing federal energy funds. The EFCC has said investigations are ongoing, and further details are expected once the agency completes its initial review of the financial records.
