EFCC quizzes ex-MD of PPMC

Esther-Nnamdi-Ogbue

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has grilled the immediate past Managing Director of Pipelines and Product Marketing Company (PPMC), Mrs. Esther Ogbue, over transaction issues during her tenure.

But she has been granted administrative bail pending the conclusion of ongoing investigation.

According to findings made by our correspondent, Ogbue’s invitation by the anti-graft agency followed some allegations leveled against her by some people.

Other allegations include the purchase of a house valued at N1.3 billion Off Amazon in Maitama and some houses in Asokoro and Wuse districts.

The petitioners alleged that she acquired the said houses in less than six months in office.

A highly-placed source in the anti-graft agency said: “We are investigating some allegations against the former MD of PPMC. We have invited her for interaction and she has made preliminary statement.

“We have commenced a comprehensive investigation into the allegations including acquisition of some houses as a public officer.

“So far, the issues against her are still in the realm of allegations; our investigation will determine the truth or otherwise.

“She was granted administrative bail. She is expected to return for further interrogation soon.”

Responding to a question, the source added: “There are also few issues on product marketing including some suspicious transactions which we need to probe.

“We are also looking into some allegations on management of products during her tenure which had compounded the ongoing fuel scarcity in the country.”

At press time, it was gathered that the anti-graft agency was probing the ownership of the houses allegedly listed against the ex-PPMC boss who had been redeployed to Retail Services.

But a source said: “Ogbue ran into trouble as a result of politics within NNPC. The office overwhelmed her and at a point she allegedly started having issues with the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Ibe Kachikwu.

“The recent restructuring in NNPC led to her removal and redeployment to Retail Services in Asokoro District, which is far off from the headquarters of the oil giant.

“Shortly after her redeployment, the petitioners, including a few insiders in NNPC, capitalised on the situation to blow the whistle to EFCC on her activities.”