Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have reportedly arrested Pastor Kelechi Benwosely Esimogu, an official of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), over allegations of multi-million naira contract fraud. The arrest took place on Wednesday night, March 18, 2026, at a lounge in the Wuse area of Abuja.
Esimogu, who is also a cleric, is accused of defrauding several companies by promising to secure government contracts through her position, which allegedly never materialised. According to sources familiar with the investigation, the total amount involved runs into hundreds of millions of naira.
Investigators allege that Esimogu collected large sums of money from unsuspecting businesses under the pretext of facilitating access to lucrative NDDC contracts. The deals reportedly failed to produce any results, leaving the affected companies without the promised contracts or refunds.
Authorities believe that the funds obtained through these transactions may have been diverted for political purposes. Specifically, sources claim the money was used to finance political mobilisation efforts tied to Esimogu’s alleged ambition to contest an election in Imo State.
Before her arrest, Esimogu had reportedly evaded repeated invitations from the EFCC. She is said to have frequently changed locations, moving between hotels in Abuja in an effort to avoid being apprehended by authorities.
Her eventual arrest followed surveillance efforts by EFCC operatives, who tracked her movements to the Wuse lounge where she was taken into custody without incident. Officials have not yet released an official statement detailing the charges, but the investigation is said to be ongoing.
The case appears to be expanding as more individuals and companies come forward with similar allegations. Sources within the anti-graft agency indicate that multiple victims have reported being approached with comparable contract offers linked to Esimogu.
These emerging claims suggest a broader pattern of alleged fraudulent activity, potentially involving a network of contacts and repeated schemes targeting businesses seeking government contracts. Investigators are now working to determine the full scope of the alleged fraud and identify any accomplices who may have been involved.
The EFCC is also expected to scrutinize financial records and transaction trails to establish how the funds were collected and utilized. This includes examining whether any public office resources or influence were improperly leveraged in the process.
The development has raised concerns about the misuse of public office and the vulnerability of private companies to contract-related scams. Analysts note that such schemes often exploit the demand for government contracts, particularly in sectors linked to development agencies like the NDDC.
As the investigation continues, legal proceedings are expected to follow if sufficient evidence is established. EFCC officials have indicated that they are committed to ensuring accountability and recovering any funds obtained through fraudulent means.
Esimogu remains in custody as of the time of reporting, and it is unclear when she will be formally charged in court. Authorities have urged other potential victims to come forward, as the probe into the alleged fraud continues to widen.
