EFCC Arrests Niger Delta Ministry Contractor For Alleged N200 Million Fraud

A contractor with the Niger Delta ministry, whose N1.7 billion contract has been terminated, Jonathan Ibinabo Alayoru has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for allegedly defrauding a bank to the tune of N200 million.

Alatoru, who is a self-acclaimed pastor, is also the Chief Executive Officer of Chemtronics Nigeria Limited, and had earlier jumped an administrative bail granted him by the EFCC. He is on the list of the anti graft agency for alleged conspiracy, forgery and obtaining money by false pretence to the tune of N200 million.

EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren stated yesterday that the 55-year-old suspect had been awarded a contract by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Abuja for the construction of a skill acquisition centre at Igualeba, Orhiomwon LGA in Edo State, to the tune of N1.7billion.

The contract, which was supposed to be completed within a year, was, however, terminated in 2011 when he could not complete the structure 18 months after.

“However, the suspect allegedly approached Sterling Bank Plc with some documents purported to have emanated from the Ministry to secure a N200m bank facility.

“In fulfillment of the requirements to obtain the bank facility, the suspect allegedly presented both the Certificate of Occupancy, C of O, of a property located in the G.R.A. Ikeja area of Lagos and another mortgage agreement letter as collateral in 2012.

“Investigation, however, revealed that both documents belong to the late Vice-Admiral Babatunde Elegbede, a former military Governor of Cross Rivers State who died in 1994.

“According to the complainant, the suspect also allegedly presented a forged domiciliation payment letter, stating that the proceeds of the contract should be remitted to the bank for the servicing of the loan.

“It was also discovered that the suspect allegedly connived with one Ndubuisi Egbe Unah, who is currently facing trial before a Federal High Court, Abuja, and some staff of the bank to perpetrate the alleged fraud”, Uwujaren stated, adding that the suspect will soon be charged to court.