From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
Former Chief Finance Officer (CFO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Umar Isa, has dismissed reports that he was arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with an alleged $7.2 billion fraud linked to transactions at the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries.
Isa, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said contrary to media claims, he was not arrested but had voluntarily submitted himself to the Commission for questioning.
“Nobody arrested me for any $7.2 billion in relation to any refinery fraud. I voluntarily submitted myself for questioning to the EFCC and thereafter I went home. To see in the media stories of my arrest over fraud is unfortunate,” he stated.
The former NNPCL CFO maintained that throughout his career at the national oil company, he was never accused of wrongdoing.
“I served at NNPC Limited and I left with my integrity intact. Nobody has accused me of any fraud throughout my sojourn at the Caompany. People who are pushing this false narrative of arrests and detention just want to tarnish my reputation,” Isa said.
He further expressed readiness to honour any future invitation from the anti-graft agency, noting his commitment to protecting his reputation and legacy.
“I am in this country and any day and anytime the EFCC request me to appear before them I will be present,” he added.