By Huldah Shado
Former Chief Finance Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Alhaji Umar Ajiyia Isa, has debunked reports claiming he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a statement on Wednesday, Isa clarified that he voluntarily presented himself to the EFCC for questioning and was never taken into custody over any alleged $7.2 billion fraud linked to the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries.
“Nobody arrested me for any $7.2 billion in relation to any refinery fraud,” he stated. “I voluntarily submitted myself for questioning and thereafter went home. It is unfortunate to see false stories of arrest circulating in the media.”
Isa, who served as CFO at NNPCL, described the reports as a deliberate attempt to smear his name.
He emphasized that his record at the company remains unblemished and that he was never accused of fraud throughout his tenure.
“I left NNPCL with my integrity intact. Those pushing these false narratives only seek to tarnish my reputation,” he said.
He reaffirmed his willingness to cooperate with the EFCC whenever required, stressing his commitment to transparency and accountability.
