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Simbi Kesiye Wabote, the immediate past Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), has refuted reports claiming his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
A false news report circulated on Wednesday alleging that Wabote was detained in connection with NCDMB’s investments in a modular refinery project led by Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for Brass Island in Bayelsa State.
In a phone conversation with select journalists on Wednesday, Wabote clarified that he had not been arrested, explaining that his visit to the EFCC was part of a routine invitation, a standard procedure for anyone summoned by the agency.
He confirmed that he had attended the EFCC’s invitation on Tuesday, arriving at 2pm and leaving by 6:30pm after providing his statement. He explained: “I was supposed to go on the 29th of October, but I informed them I would be traveling and would attend once I returned. Yesterday, I went in, gave my statement, and then returned home to rest.”
Wabote further dismissed the notion of any fraud surrounding Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited. He clarified that the company was facing cash flow challenges, not engaging in fraudulent activity.
He also addressed claims about NCDMB’s investment in Atlantic International Refinery, asserting that the Board had made investments in 17 different opportunities, most of which are progressing well. He stated, “The only one with challenges is the Atlantic refinery. The promoter has not abandoned the project; he has written to NCDMB asking for a plan to buy them out. The Board has already made a resolution. He has acknowledged the cash flow issue and intends to complete the project, but if we are not aligned, he has requested a plan for us to sell our stake to him. It’s simply a business challenge, not fraud or a scam.” Wabote expressed his frustration over the fabrication of false stories aimed at tarnishing his reputation, urging media professionals to uphold truth and integrity.
