...As Shocking Corruption Case Exposes Over Billions Involved in Fraudulent Schemes

On August 6th, 2025, a petition was formally submitted to the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, raising grave concerns over alleged widespread financial misconduct within Nigeria’s Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP). The petition, authored by legal representatives of the Reformed Niger-Delta Ex-Agitators Forum, accuses Dr. Dennis Otuaro, the current administrator of PAP, of orchestrating a series of corrupt practices, including financial diversion, non-payment of stipends, and asset misappropriation.

The group, comprising former Niger-Delta militants committed to advocating for civil rights and environmental justice, calls for an immediate and thorough investigation into the management of the programme under Dr. Otuaro’s leadership. They point to numerous credible media reports detailing irregularities such as breaches of procurement laws, dubious contracts awarded to non-qualifying firms, and the suspicious allocation of millions of naira into personal accounts. Notably, payments totaling over 300 million Naira were reportedly made to individuals including Philip Denis Fayeofuri, Neware Oyakemegbegha, and Abate Doris Inekiengha, raising questions about transparency and accountability.

Further allegations include preferential awarding of contracts to a select few companies, notably Puah Media Entertainment, Hyatt Global Resources, NexGen Quantum Edge, and Maro-Kana Construction Ltd. The petition highlights an over-concentration of contracts awarded to these entities, with a particular concern over a suspiciously recent company, NextGen Quantum Edge Consultancy Solutions Ltd, which received 12 contracts worth over 713 million Naira within just a span of two months—despite having been incorporated only in April 2024. Media reports and documented letters have already been sent to security agencies and the military, aiming to shed light on these issues.

However, instead of receiving redress or accountability, the petitioners allege that Dr. Otuaro responded with intimidation tactics, including arrests and detention of their representatives on what are described as trumped-up charges of defamation and cyberbullying. This response has exacerbated tensions within the Niger-Delta community, igniting protests and widespread discontent among youths. A coalition of Niger Delta Concerned Youths for Change recently staged a large protest, accusing Otuaro of turning the Amnesty Office into a private enterprise and diverting funds meant for genuine beneficiaries.

The petition also implicates Salvation Rufus Ebena, who managed a camp of 36 slots but allegedly diverted over 500 stipends to his camp, receiving kickbacks in return. It further alleges that during the tenure of a previous Amnesty boss, Indiomu, Ebena embezzled over 250 million Naira intended for cooperative and loan disbursements to beneficiaries. Reports suggest that 50 beneficiaries, who applied through their cooperatives, received only 5 million Naira each, with Ebena’s involvement in disbursement committees raising further questions about corruption.

The petition urges the EFCC to seize all accounts implicated in these allegations, to freeze any assets derived from illicit activities, and to conduct a comprehensive audit of the programme’s books. It emphasizes that the current state of affairs within PAP, under Dr. Otuaro’s stewardship, borders on privatization, with the leader’s lifestyle and apparent affluence casting doubt on legitimate earnings.

Legal representatives insist this investigation is long overdue, viewing it as vital to deter others from pursuing political office for personal enrichment rather than public service. Citing relevant statutes under the EFCC Act, the petitioners implore the Commission to undertake a discreet but thorough probe to uncover and prosecute those involved in large-scale financial crimes within the Amnesty Programme.

As they await a positive response, the petitioners reaffirm their commitment to justice, transparency, and accountability, hoping that swift action will restore integrity to the controversial programme and serve as a warning against corrupt practices in governance.