Director-General, Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, has denied being arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as reported in the media.
He said this in a statement sent to the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja, while acknowledging that he only honoured an invitation by the commission.
The statement signed by Alhaji Abdulrasaq Danjuma, his Media Aide, however, said this was in line with due process and respect for the constituted authorities.
He appealed to the public to avoid speculation, misinformation, sensational commentary, and the circulation of unverified claims that may distort facts, prejudice ongoing processes, or create unnecessary tension.
He said the public should allow the relevant agencies to carry out their responsibilities so that the facts would emerge through lawful, transparent, and due process.
“It is important to clarify that he was not arrested, but attended the engagement voluntarily as a responsible public servant committed to transparency and accountability.
“At this time, we respectfully urge supporters, associates, stakeholders, and members of the public to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding while the appropriate authorities carry out their constitutional responsibilities.
“It is also important to emphasise that the matters currently in the public domain remain allegations subject to investigation and due legal process.
“In line with established principles of justice and fairness, every individual is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise by a court of competent jurisdiction,” he said.
Earlier reports from The Punch late Wednesday night quoted a source who claimed that the ECN DG was in EFCC custody.
All efforts to get the agency’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, to comment on the facts surrounding the incident as of press time proved futile.
A source within the anti-graft agency, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, disclosed that the alleged fraud involves funds estimated at N500bn.