A civil society group composed of former Niger-Delta agitators has petitioned the Office of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, urging an urgent investigation into the leadership and financial management of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) under Dr. Dennis Otuaro.
The Reformed Niger-Delta Ex-Agitators Forum, a non-governmental organisation made up of ex-agitators who voluntarily surrendered arms to participate in the federal amnesty initiative, alleges widespread financial malpractice, corruption, and diversion of amnesty stipends within the programme.
According to the group’s legal representatives, there is an “urgent and overriding need” for a thorough examination of PAP’s books, assets, and properties.
The petition, signed by Dr. Seprebofa M. Oyeghe Esq, for S. M. Oyeghe Legal, alleges that several contracts were awarded in violation of the Public Procurement Act of 2007 to companies deemed inactive or unqualified, including Zeechy Multi-Concept Limited, Triple Two Oil and Gas Ltd, and NexGen Quantum Edge Consultancy Solutions Ltd.
Other contracts were described as irregular, vague, or duplicated, such as those awarded to Puah Media Entertainment Network Ltd.
The group also alleges that significant public funds were improperly paid into personal accounts, citing sums of N131.8 million, N162.4 million, and N5.5 million directed to individuals identified as Philip Denis Fayeofuri, Neware Oyakemegbegha, and Abate Doris Inekiengha, respectively.
The group further alleges that contracts were disproportionately concentrated among a small number of companies, including Puah Media Entertainment, Hyatt Global Resources, NexGen Quantum Edge, and Maro-Kana Construction Ltd.
Highlighting recent developments, the petition notes that 12 contracts worth over N713 million were awarded between June and August 2024 to NexGen Quantum Edge Consultancy Solutions Ltd, a company incorporated just months earlier, in April 2024.
The Forum’s lawyers also raised concerns over alleged intimidation and harassment. They said Dr. Otuaro responded to previous complaints with the arrest and detention of the group’s CEO, Owoupele Eneonekuoh, aka Owous, on what they described as “trumped-up charges” of defamation and cyberbullying.
Eneonekuoh was held for over 11 weeks before the case was discontinued in July, only to be re-arrested and arraigned at the Federal High Court for petitioning the Inspector General of Police against Otuaro.
The Forum described these actions as “heightening discontent” among Niger-Delta youths, noting that a coalition of concerned youth recently staged a protest against the PAP leadership.
The group accused Dr. Otuaro of converting the amnesty office into “a private business enterprise,” diverting programme funds, and managing the resources with “reckless impunity.”
Specific allegations were also levelled against Salvation Rufus Ebena, a PAP official, who reportedly diverted over 500 beneficiary stipends to his camp while providing kickbacks to Otuaro.
The petition further alleges that under the administration of a previous PAP head, Ebena allegedly misappropriated over N250 million intended for cooperatives and loans for beneficiaries.
“The PAP under the leadership of Dr. Otuaro has been practically converted into a private company! Also, his lifestyle and affluence may not reasonably be justified by his legitimate earnings,” the petition reads.
“Also, his crony, Salvation Rufus Ebena had 36 slots only for his camp, but he connived with Otuaro and diverted over 500 beneficiary stipends to his camp, and gave kickback to Denis Otuaro.”
It alleges that the N250 million was diverted during Barry Tariye Ndiomu's (former Interim Administrator) administration.
According to the group, the “former Amnesty boss approved N5 million each for 50 beneficiaries who applied with their Cooperative, which Mr. Ebena was in the disbursement committee”.
The Forum called on the National Security Adviser to conduct a discreet but comprehensive investigation into the PAP’s financial operations, freeze any accounts found to contain illicit funds, and hold accountable those responsible for mismanagement.
The group emphasised that such an inquiry would serve as a deterrent to public officials seeking political office for personal enrichment rather than public service.
The petition concluded by stressing the urgent need to scrutinize PAP’s management, asserting that “a thorough examination of the accounts will reveal the full extent of misappropriation, illicit fund movements, and involvement of those engaged in financial crimes.”
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