Amanze ChinonyeA group of human rights lawyers has filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Chief Financial Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Dapo Segun, over alleged mismanagement in the multitrillion-naira rehabilitation of Nigeria’s refineries.
The suit, brought by the Registered Trustees of Rights For All International and led by constitutional lawyer Okere Kingdom, is demanding the immediate suspension, investigation, and prosecution of Segun for his alleged role in the failed refinery rehabilitation exercise which reportedly gulped over N5 trillion.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelSegun, a former Executive Vice President in charge of Downstream operations at NNPCL, is also linked to a separate N140 billion acquisition deal involving OVH Energy, which is currently under investigation by several anti-graft agencies and the National Assembly.
The plaintiffs accused the EFCC of failing to investigate Segun’s role in both the refinery rehabilitation and the OVH acquisition, despite widespread public concerns and alleged evidence of irregularities.
In the suit filed ex parte, the group is seeking the following reliefs:
• A declaration that the EFCC’s failure to investigate Segun amounts to a dereliction of statutory duty, abuse of office, and bad faith.
• An order of mandamus compelling the EFCC to begin a formal investigation within seven days into Segun’s role in the refinery rehabilitation and OVH acquisition.
• A further order directing the EFCC to publish its investigation report within 14 days of conclusion.
• A directive for the EFCC to arrest and prosecute Segun if its findings reveal criminal conduct.
• An interim court order compelling Segun to step aside as NNPCL CFO and refrain from interfering with documents or evidence pending the conclusion of investigations.
The group said it was alarming that Segun, who supervised downstream operations during the rehabilitation period, has not been brought to account. It warned that selective prosecution by anti-corruption agencies could erode public trust and compromise the integrity of ongoing investigations into oil sector reforms.
“It is disturbing that while others are being probed, the man who oversaw the failed downstream rehabilitation project remains untouched,” said Okere Kingdom, the lead counsel in the suit. “This action seeks to ensure the law applies equally to all.”
The group also urged President Tinubu to remove Segun from office to prevent any potential interference in the ongoing investigations.
Meanwhile, a separate civil society organization, the Centre for Oil and Gas Transparency and Reform, has released a series of video commentaries alleging corrupt practices in the ongoing repair of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries by NNPCL officials.
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Despite repeated assurances, both refineries remain non-operational years after the federal government committed trillions of naira to their rehabilitation.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
