Table of Contents
- Coalition's Support for Petition
- Letter to the EFCC
- Details of Allegations
- Call for Investigation
- BPP's Response
A coalition of civil society organizations, under the umbrella of the Conference of Civil Society for Transparency and Accountability (COCTA), has reached out to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), expressing its support for a petition previously submitted by legal practitioner Musa Aliyu, Esq., regarding alleged corruption at the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
In a letter addressed to the EFCC and signed by its Convener and National Coordinator, Olumuyiwa Onlede, COCTA formally reaffirmed the petition following a protest in Abuja. The petition raises serious allegations against the Director-General of the BPP, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, and his Chief of Staff, Mr. Olanrewaju Obasa.
COCTA clarified that the issues raised are allegations currently under investigation by the EFCC and should not be interpreted as findings or conclusions of guilt by the organization.
The group stated that the petition submitted to the EFCC alleges, among other things, the operation of proxy and unofficial bank accounts supposedly linked to the BPP Director-General and/or his Chief of Staff. It also includes claims of demanding or receiving foreign exchange and other financial inducements related to the issuance of 'Certificates of No Objection.'
Additional allegations mentioned in the petition include the reported receipt of vehicles and other forms of gratification from contractors engaging with the Bureau, the operation of over 100 bank accounts allegedly facilitated by the Chief of Staff, as well as broader claims of corruption, abuse of office, and violations of procurement laws and ethical standards.
COCTA emphasized that if these allegations are substantiated, they would constitute serious misconduct and systemic abuse that could jeopardize Nigeria’s public procurement framework.
The organization stressed that the severity of the claims necessitates an urgent, comprehensive, and impartial investigation by the EFCC to maintain public trust in the procurement system and ensure accountability within an institution responsible for enforcing procurement integrity nationwide.
As part of its requests, COCTA urged the EFCC to promptly initiate a thorough investigation into all allegations outlined in the petition. It also called for the Chairman of the Commission to recommend to the President the suspension of the BPP Director-General pending the investigation's outcome, to facilitate an unhindered and fair inquiry.
The group further requested that all individuals allegedly involved, either directly or indirectly, be summoned and investigated in accordance with due process, and that the EFCC provide regular updates to the public, consistent with legal and operational guidelines.
COCTA reiterated its commitment to supporting the EFCC’s anti-corruption mandate and urged the Commission to treat this matter with urgency in the interest of justice, public accountability, and national integrity.
In response to the renewed calls for action from the EFCC, the Head of Press and Public Relations at the BPP, Mr. Zira Zika, stated that the Bureau is fully aware of the petition and that the EFCC is currently addressing the matter while his office patiently awaits the outcome.
He noted that the officials named in the petition, including the Director-General and his Chief of Staff, have met with the EFCC concerning the allegations.
- What is the purpose of the COCTA's letter to the EFCC?
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The purpose of the COCTA's letter is to express support for a petition submitted by a legal practitioner regarding alleged corruption at the Bureau of Public Procurement and to call for a thorough investigation of the allegations.
- What allegations have been made against the Director-General of the BPP?
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The allegations include the operation of proxy bank accounts, the demand for foreign exchange and financial inducements related to 'Certificates of No Objection', and the receipt of vehicles and other gratifications from contractors.
- What actions does COCTA want the EFCC to take?
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COCTA is requesting an urgent investigation into the allegations, the suspension of the BPP Director-General pending the investigation, and regular public updates from the EFCC.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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