Imaobong Akon Esu-Nte, head of Capital Accounts at the Nigerian Prisons Service was arrested on Tuesday, May 6, 2014 by The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged corruption, money laundering, and abuse of public office.
Following investigations, EFCC discovered that she had been using her office to conduct business as a private contractor breaching the current public service regulation, which prohibits civil servants from doing so and this fraudulent business transactions has helped financed her extravagant lifestyle .
According to EFCC: “The lifestyle of the suspect, who is on a monthly salary of N121, 460 was at variance with the level of opulence being displayed by her.
“Apart from tracing the sum of N200 million to companies owned by her and her children, the EFCC said the woman had also been remitting money amounting to N60 million into the account of an Abuja-based Pentecostal church. She is also said to be in possession of several exotic cars and property in various parts of Abuja.
“Among the property were a palatial mansion, a duplex with two-bedroom Boys Quarters at Sun City Estate, Abuja and another duplex at Karu Extension, Abuja, now nearing completion.Three top of the range automobiles were recovered from her at the time of arrest. They include a Mercedes Benz ML 350 4matic, Mercedes Benz GL 500 and a Toyota Sienna”.
Mrs Esu is also reported to be the owner of Darima Properties and ID Petroleum and also the promoter and signatory to the accounts of three companies: Abasiaga Global Resources Limited, Abasiono Nigeria Limited and Ememima Global Ventures Limited, which was set up shortly after being posted to the NPS.”
These accounts of her companies have recorded an inflow of about N200million between 2009 and now.
Spokesman of the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, who confirmed the arrest of the woman, has warned public officers engaged in fraudulent business practices to cease from such activities or be prepared to face the wrath of the law.
