Minister of Interior Summoned by CCB Over Alleged N438m Contract Scandal

Nigeria’s Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has summoned the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, over allegations of a N438 million contract awarded to a company associated with him by the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu.

A leaked memo revealed that a firm linked to Mr. Tunji-Ojo received N438 million as consultancy fees from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. However, the interior minister has denied any involvement in the contract, stating that he resigned as its director in 2019.

Despite the denial, the CCB has requested Mr. Tunji-Ojo to appear before it on Tuesday, 16th January 2024, for questioning regarding the contract scandal. The invitation, dated 10th January, was signed by Gwimi S.P., head of CCB’s department of intelligence, investigation, and monitoring.

In a statement issued by Kato Veronica, head of CCB’s Press and Public Relations, the bureau emphasized that its investigation is in line with its statutory mandate as stipulated in the Nigerian constitution. The statement mentioned that the probe is focused on the alleged breach of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers by the Minister of Interior.

The bureau’s investigation revolves around allegations that a company named New Planet Projects, reportedly owned by Mr. Tunji-Ojo, benefitted from a contract scam involving the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.

Previously, President Bola Tinubu had summoned the interior minister regarding the same allegations, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had interrogated Ms. Edu over the approval of around N585 million from the ministry’s funds into a civil servant’s private account.

The CCB’s statement indicated that the bureau is exercising its mandate to ensure adherence to the Code of Conduct for Public Officers and to investigate any alleged breaches.

Premium Times