EFCC To Return NBC’s Seized N10bn
EFCC has received Presidential order to return the N10 billion seized from the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
NBC DG, Malam Is’haq Modibbo-Kawu announced this in Abuja on Thursday. The money was seized during the tenure of former DG, Emeka Mba.
The NBC helmsman also informed newsmen of the forthcoming ‘Africast 2016’ scheduled to hold on Oct.18 to Oct. 20.
EFCC To Announce Details Soon
The anti graft agency is expected to give further details on the release process.
The EFCC had accused Technology Advisor LLP, owned by Emeka Mba and others for alleged diversion of N10bn from the N34bn paid by MTN to the NBC.
It alleged that the money was transferred to a bank in breach of Federal Government’s directive on Treasury Single Account. The amount was part of the money meant for digital television broadcasting in the country.
Mba, Others Denies EFCC Claims
Mba and others have since denied the accusation . They insisted that no such money was ever taken by them or those who participated in the digital switch process.
In two separate letters written on their behalf by their lawyer, Chief Ogwu Onoja (SAN). Mba made it clear that the entire transaction was transparent. He said it was carried out in accordance with former FEC’s approval.
Their lawyer maintained that no money was missing throughout Mba’s tenure as DG of NBC. It also said that Mba was proud of his post as an outstanding public servant with over 25 years of experience in the communications and entertainment industry.
The lawyer said: “The truth is that during the tenure of our client as the DG of the NBC, no money was missing, lost or stolen by anyone at the NBC.
“The NBC in all its transactions followed due processes and got appropriate approvals from its board of directors, the then Minister of Information, former Minister of Communications Technology and President Goodluck Jonathan.”
