The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Abdulazeez Gbadebo, a fuel station manager in Kaduna, over allegations of diverting ₦500 million belonging to his employer, Emadeb Energy Service Limited.
The arrest was confirmed on Thursday in a statement released by EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, who said Gbadebo was picked up by operatives of the Commission’s Kaduna Zonal Directorate after a petition was filed by the energy company.
According to the petition, an external audit revealed that Gbadebo had allegedly tampered with fuel pump meters to sell petroleum products in bulk while diverting the proceeds into his personal bank accounts.
“His arrest followed a petition by Emadeb Energy Service Ltd., alleging that an external audit uncovered that the suspect manipulated the pump meters, sold bulk petrol, and diverted ₦500 million into his private accounts,” Oyewale disclosed.
Investigators also found that the suspect sold bulk petrol and diesel to multiple customers while bypassing the company’s official payment system. Instead, he allegedly received funds through his personal accounts.
In addition to the financial diversion, the EFCC recovered several assets believed to have been acquired from the proceeds of the alleged fraud. These included two Mercedes-Benz vehicles, three Mini Coopers, a three-bedroom detached bungalow in Kaduna, and landed properties. Official documents such as a certificate of occupancy and an authorization letter from the Kaduna Geographical Information System (KADGIS) were also retrieved.
“Items recovered include an ash-coloured Mercedes-Benz, three Mini Coopers in different colours, a white Mercedes-Benz GLK, landed properties, and a fully detached bungalow,” Oyewale confirmed.
The EFCC spokesperson further stated that Gbadebo would be charged to court as soon as investigations are completed.
This development underscores the recurring issue of corruption in Nigeria’s petroleum sector, which for decades has been riddled with cases of fraud, fund diversion, and mismanagement. The EFCC has promised to step up its efforts in cracking down on offenders in the industry.