EFCC Arrests Ex-MDs of Kaduna, Warri, Port Harcourt Refineries Over $2.9 Billion Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the recently dismissed managing directors of the Kaduna, Warri, and Port Harcourt refineries, along with several top officials, over an alleged $2.9 billion fraud tied to the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s state-owned refineries.
The arrest follows an investigation into the mismanagement of billions of dollars allocated for the so-called “quick-fix” repairs of the ailing refineries. According to EFCC sources, the funds under scrutiny include $1.5 billion earmarked for the Port Harcourt refinery, $740 million for the Kaduna refinery, and $656 million for the Warri refinery.
The former Managing Director of the Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited, Mr. Ibrahim Onoja, and the former head of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company, Mr. Efifia Chu, are among those currently in EFCC custody.
In a startling revelation, investigators reportedly uncovered N80 billion in a personal bank account linked to one of the former managing directors.
Speaking anonymously, a senior EFCC official confirmed that the arrests are part of a broader probe into the disbursement and usage of the funds. “We are investigating all funds released in recent years for the rehabilitation of the three refineries. All principal officers from that period are being questioned. Some are already in custody, and others are under surveillance,” the official said.
He added: “Nigerians are demanding answers—where did the money go, and why are the refineries still not working?”
The development comes as public frustration grows over Nigeria’s continued reliance on imported petroleum products despite massive investments in domestic refining over the years.
