Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, over alleged money laundering offences.

A source within the anti-graft agency confirmed the development on Wednesday, disclosing that Abdullahi was arrested in Abuja and is currently being held in EFCC custody.

According to the source, the investigation involves alleged financial transactions estimated at about N500bn.

“We have arrested the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, for money laundering offences. He was arrested and is currently in our custody. The money is to the tune of N500bn,” the source said.

As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had yet to officially confirm the arrest.

Efforts to reach the commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, for comments were unsuccessful.

President Bola Tinubu appointed Abdullahi as Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria on October 24, 2023.