Business
Inside Eko DisCo N100m fraud: Leaked documents reveal ghost workers, cover-up by EKEDP Chairman, Dere Otubu
The documents showed the chairman of EKEDP, Dere Otubu, in an alleged cover-up in N100 million ghost workers fraud by one Wola Condotti Joseph.
The last may have not been heard in the crisis rocking the Eko Electricity Distribution Plc (EKEDP), one of the 11 electricity distribution companies in Nigeria, as documents SaharaReporters obtained on Friday revealed a cover-up and fraud.
The documents showed the chairman of EKEDP, Dere Otubu, in an alleged cover-up in N100 million ghost workers fraud by one Wola Condotti Joseph.
SaharaReporters reported on March 26, that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), directed the board of Eko Electricity Distribution Plc (EKEDC or EKEDP) to suspend with immediate effect all the workers of West Power and Gas Limited working with the company.
West Power & Gas Limited (WPG) is a limited liability company incorporated under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which has a stake in EKEDP.
It says on its website that it was “established for the purpose of investing in, operating and managing electricity related business in the most reliable and professional manner for the benefit of Nigerian power consumers”.
It was reported that the directive may be connected with the recent petition by some concerned staff members of EKEDP to the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima; Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for intervention in the alleged endemic corruption in the management of the electricity distribution firm.
Although the company has dismissed the allegation, describing it as unfounded, the accusers have continued to push for external investigation.
However, in compliance with the directive of NERC, the Board Chairman, Otubu, directed the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Eko Electricity Distribution Plc, Dr. Tinuade Sanda to leave her position, as she was also seconded from WPG.
SaharaReporters learnt that following the directive, the MD/CEO, Chief Legal Officer, Chief Finance Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Auditor and Compliance Officer and others on secondment at the company handed over their handover notes to their subordinates as directed.
Thereafter, the Director, Chairman Legal & Regulatory Committee of the company, Mr. Babor Egeregor, faulted the purported removal of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the EkoDisco, Dr Tinuade Sanda from office, insisting that she remains the EkoDisco MD/CEO.
In a rebuttal, titled: “RE: FG Sacks Eko Disco Managing Director”, Egeregor explained that there was never a time the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission directed that all staff of EkoDisco on secondment should be sacked.
According to him, the decision of the NERC was misinterpreted by the Chairman of Board, Dere Otubu, for ulterior motive, adding that the NERC decision on seconded staff was only directed to those connected to the alleged fraud and negligence in the company in the name of – Wola Joseph Condotti, Sheri Adegbenro, and Aik Alenkhe.
The rebuttal partly read: “It has come to my notice that by a letter dated 26th of March 2024, the Chairman of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), Mr. Dere Otubu purportedly terminated the Contract of Employment of Dr. Tinuade Sanda, the MD/CEO of EKEDC, allegedly in compliance with Orders/Directives issued by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
“The said Order of the NERC, herein displayed, are unambiguous, incapable of, and unyielding to plural interpretations. There was nowhere in the Order where NERC requested the removal of any staff either seconded to or hired by EKEDC except those connected to the alleged fraud and negligence i.e., Wola Joseph Condotti, Sheri Adegbenro, and Aik Alenkhe.
“In fact, NERC’s directives were issued to compel the Board of EKEDC, following picketing by the Union and unrelenting Staff protests, to act appropriately in the face of a determined position of a majority of the Board members to cover up the alleged use of ghost workers together with the alleged fraud and protect Wola Joseph Condotti especially.”
It added, “Mr. Dere Otubu’s letter, therefore, was done in bad faith and in vengeful revenge against the MD/CEO for escalating the alleged fraud and issuing queries against one of his protégés, whom he has desperately swore to protect by all means. As a matter of fact, the Ag DG of the BPE, representing the Government on the Board of EKEDC, vehemently rejected the attempt to cover up the alleged crime and insisted on compliance with the punishment prescribed in the Conditions of Service.
“Rather than comply with the Orders of NERC, a recourse to subterfuge was hatched with the purported termination and the publication of different misleading headlines such as “FG Sacks MD of EKEDC”, “Tinuade Sanda relieved of her position as MD, Eko Distribution Company.”
“There are no doubts about a deliberate agenda and unconcealed mischief to misread the Orders of the NERC to malign Dr. Sanda’s reputation for daring to escalate and issue queries to Wola Joseph Condotti for alleged fraud through the use of ghost workers for 3 years, and continuous payment of salaries to exited staffs despite personally receiving their resignation letters.
“Similar queries were issued to Sheri Adegbenro, the Chief Audit and Compliance Officer and Aik Alenkhe, the Chief Human Resources Officers respectively for their failure and gross negligence to audit and detect fraudulent payments on pay roll for over 3 years.”
The emails have shown that the company’s struggles have been partly caused by a significant level of corruption going on in the organisation, which allegedly involved her – (Wola Joseph Condotti) and the chairman has been allegedly linked to aiding ghost workers in the company and earning millions of Naira from the dubious dealings.
As shown in email correspondence between the chairman of West Power & Gas Limited (WPG) George Etiom and Chairman of EkoDisco Dere Otubu.
WPG had in a letter dated December 5, 2023 which was addressed to Dene Wale and copied management of EkoDisco, recalled from the position as Chief Legal Officer (CLO) in Eko Electricity Distribution Company Plc, pending an investigation into alleged misconduct.
The Chairman of EkoDisco, Otubu challenged it and told her to ignore it, despite WPG being the employer of Wale Joseph.
The letter which was signed by George Etomi, Chairman of WPG partly read: “We received notice of the Demand for Explanation (DFE) dated 22 November 2023 issued to you by the MD/CEO of Eko Electricity Distribution Company Plc. (EKEDP), wherein allegations of misconduct and policy breaches were levelled against you in your capacity as Chief Legal Officer (CLO). We are also in receipt of your email response dated 27 November 2023 in respect of the queries raised in the said DFE.
“Given the grave nature of these allegations which carry serious legal consequences if proven, this matter has been referred to the board of directors of WPG for further action. Accordingly, we refer to your Offer of Employment dated 2nd October 2013 and hereby recall you from your position as CLO in EKEDP until our receipt of a full report following the ongoing investigation.
“In order to finalise the investigation as soon as possible with the least amount of disruption to you and WPG, you may not during this period of investigation, interfere with evidence or the investigation itself, or contact any employee or possible witnesses in connection with the investigation or any related matter.
“Furthermore, we note that you are currently on maternity leave and have handed over your responsibilities to Mrs. Ihuoma Chukwuka – Head, Company Secretariat, who acts in your capacity as CLO. We advise that the situation remain unchanged until you hear from us after the conclusion of the investigation in the coming days. Meanwhile, you will continue to receive your monthly pay and all other benefits for the duration of the investigation.
“We hope that this conveys the gravity with which we regard this matter.”
However, Dere Otubu on same Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at 9:51 am wrote to Wola to disregard the recall letter from her employer.
The email titled: “LETTER OF RECALL,” which was copied to members of EkoDisco Board of Directors, reads: “I was copied in a letter from Chairman of WPG dated 5th of Dec 2023 recalling you from the position of Chief Legal Officer to EKO DISCO.
“Kindly disregard this letter in its entirety. Eko Disco will continue with its process of looking into the matter. Eko Disco MD who is copied should note accordingly.”
However, responding to the letter directing Wola to disobey valid recall to Otubu, the Chairman of WPG George Etiom reminded Otubu that WPG is well within its rights to recall any of its staff based on the Operations and Management Agreement executed between WPG and EKEDP.
Etiom stated “I am very surprised at this turn of events because instructing the CLO to disregard a directive from the Chairman of WPG, her employer, can be considered an act of encouraging insubordination. This may easily be construed as setting a wrong precedent that could empower management staff to undermine the Directors of the Board at all levels.
“As you are aware, WPG is well within its rights to recall any of its staff based on the Operations and Management Agreement executed between WPG and EKEDP. The rights to recall and/or discipline staff are consequential rights of WPG as the CLO’s employer. The Letter of Recall to the CLO constitutes standard practice in such cases, pending the conclusion of the investigation and determination of the matter.
“Kindly be aware that the issues that have necessitated the recall are very grievous and nothing whatsoever should be done to condone or cover them up. Without prejudice to whatever action you want to take, WPG will go ahead to conduct a full investigation into the matter and I advise all our nominees on the EKEDC Board not to lend themselves to any cover up.
“The instruction to recall stands and ignoring it will be at the peril of whoever does so.”
Meanwhile, as the facts concerning the alleged misconduct and ghost workers debacle unfold, it remains how the whole crisis will end.
The Dangote Group has announced that its Dangote Petroleum Refinery will begin supplying petrol (PMS) directly to 11 states starting Monday, September 15, 2025. This information was shared in a press release on the Group’s official X account on Thursday.
The retail pump prices for petrol in the initial states will be set at N841 per litre for Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti. For Abuja, Delta, Rivers, Edo, and Kwara, the price will be N851 per litre.
Additionally, the gantry price for petrol is established at N820 per litre.
“Dangote Petroleum Refinery begins direct supply of PMS with free delivery effective Monday September 15, 2025
“New Gantry Price is set at N820,” the statement read in part.
To support petrol station operators, the refinery will provide free delivery of PMS to registered stations in the 12 states, with plans to gradually expand distribution nationwide. All station owners are invited to register to access these benefits. The move is expected to improve petrol distribution and supply consistency across the covered states.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Africa’s largest with a 650,000 barrels-per-day capacity, opened in 2024 to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported petrol and strengthen energy security.
In July 2025, it received 4,000 CNG trucks under a N720 billion investment programme, aimed at distributing 65 million litres of refined petroleum products daily, creating over 15,000 jobs, and saving Nigerians more than N1.7 trillion annually in energy costs. The initiative also seeks to improve efficiency in the downstream sector and revive dormant petrol stations.
The refinery’s planned expansion into nationwide petrol distribution was initially scheduled for August 15, 2025, but is now set to begin on Monday, September 15, 2025. Preparatory challenges in early September included a three-day notice from the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), starting Tuesday, September 9, to suspend lifting and dispensing of petrol over concerns about fair competition.
Simultaneously, the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) went on a two-day strike, which was later suspended following a DSS-convened meeting attended by the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to resolve the dispute, mandating unionisation of willing employees from 9th to 22nd September 2025, prohibiting the creation of any other union, and ensuring no worker would be victimised due to the strike.
Signatories included Sayyu Dantata (Dangote Group), O.K. Ukoha (NMDPRA), Ojimba Jibrin (Dangote Group), Benson Upah (NLC), N.A. Toro (TUC), NUPENG President Akporeha Williams, General Secretary Afolabi Olawale, and Amos Falonipe representing the Federal Ministry of Labour.
Wema Bank has successfully surpassed the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) capital requirement for commercial banks with national authorization, a significant milestone achieved through the completion of a substantial N150 billion rights issue.
This important financial strategy positions the bank firmly ahead of the upcoming deadline of March 2026, as outlined in the CBN’s latest recapitalization framework.
In an official statement released on Thursday, Wema Bank proudly announced that its total qualifying capital has now reached an impressive N214.7 billion, comfortably exceeding the regulatory threshold of N200 billion.
The rights issue, which opened its doors on April 14, 2025, and closed on May 21, 2025, was a strategic response to the CBN’s directive aimed at fortifying the Nigerian banking sector.
By embracing this initiative, Wema Bank has not only positioned itself as a leader in compliance but also as a robust player in the quest for sustainable development within the financial landscape of Nigeria.
“This rights issue was undertaken in response to the CBN’s directive on the recapitalisation of banks in Nigeria. With the successful completion and regulatory approval, Wema Bank has now met the N200 billion minimum capital requirement applicable to commercial banks with national authorisation,” the bank’s statement stated.
In addition to the rights issue, Wema Bank has concluded a N50 billion special placement, which is currently awaiting regulatory approval. This additional capital injection further reinforces the bank’s commitment to maintaining a strong capital base and supporting its strategic expansion initiatives.
CEO Expresses Confidence
Commenting on the milestone, Wema Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Moruf Oseni, expressed confidence in the bank’s trajectory and the trust it enjoys from stakeholders.
“As a growth-driven bank, the industry recapitalisation requirement came as a welcome mission, and we undertook it with full confidence. Our success in surpassing the N200 billion benchmark ahead of the 2026 deadline not only reinforces our strong financial standing as a bank, but also attests to the mutual trust and confidence that exists between Wema Bank and its shareholders,” Oseni said.
Earlier in May, Wema Bank had announced its intention to raise an additional N50 billion through a private placement as part of its broader strategy to meet and exceed the CBN’s capital requirements.
At its Annual General Meeting (AGM), held electronically on May 22, 2025, shareholders formally adopted a resolution to secure this additional capital, signaling strong support for the bank’s growth agenda.
Under the CBN’s recapitalization framework, commercial banks with international authorization are required to maintain a minimum capital base of N500 billion, while those with national authorization, such as Wema Bank, must meet a N200 billion threshold.
Wema Bank’s swift and strategic response to these requirements highlights its resilience and forward-thinking leadership in Nigeria’s evolving financial landscape.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has announced an impressive total of N10 billion in recoveries for consumers who were wronged, following a series of complaints directed at banks, fintech companies, and other entities.
This information was revealed in a statement issued on Thursday, which was signed by Ondaje Ijagwu, the Director of Corporate Affairs at the FCCPC.
The announcement comes in light of recent data that highlights the volume of consumer complaints received and subsequently resolved across major sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The data encompasses cases that were registered with the Commission between March and August 2025 and has been meticulously compiled from various complaint resolution platforms managed by the FCCPC.
“The top ten sectors by number of complaints received between March and August 2025 were led by banking (3,173 complaints), followed by Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FCMG) (1,543), fintech (1,442), and electricity (458).
“Other notable sectors included e-commerce (412), telecommunications (409), retail/wholesale/shopping (329), aviation (243), information technology (131), and road transport and logistics (114),” the Commission stated.
The Commission stressed that the data covers consumer grievances ranging from unfair charges, service failure, unauthorised deductions, deceptive marketing, poor disclosure of terms, product defects, and failure to provide redress within acceptable timelines.
“The total number of complaints resolved during the reporting period was 9091, while total recoveries for consumers exceeded N10 billion (Ten Billion Naira), reflecting both the scale of harm experienced and the significant financial burden borne by consumers in the absence of effective redress,” the FCCPC added.
Reacting to the findings, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Mr. Tunji Bello, said: “These numbers are not just statistics; they tell the story of consumer frustration, and the daily challenges Nigerians face in essential services. However, the FCCPC is determined to hold businesses accountable, ensure compliance with the FCCPA, and promote fair market practices that protect the welfare of all consumers.”
The publication of sector-specific complaint data is said to align with the Commission’s mandate under Sections 17(a), 17(j) of the FCCPA 2018, which empower it to enforce consumer protection laws and make information on its functions available to the public.
According to the report, Banking is the dominant source of consumer complaints, both in volume and financial exposure, highlighting recurring issues in loan deductions, account charges, and transaction disputes, and reflecting public reliance on the FCCPC to intervene in systemic financial service challenges.
“Banking and fintech dominate by financial impact, showing consumer vulnerability where services are both essential and high value, signalling an urgent need for stronger joint regulation with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
“With 458 reported complaints, the electricity sector ranks 4th overall, behind banking, financial services, and FCMG, highlighting persistent billing disputes, service delivery failures, and the need for stronger coordination between the FCCPC, NERC, state electricity regulatory agencies and electricity distribution companies (DisCos).
“E-commerce disputes are relatively low-value but high-frequency, signalling broad consumer exposure at the retail level. While average monetary losses per complaint are low, the volume and recurrence of disputes (deliveries, refunds, counterfeit goods) reveal e-commerce as a growing consumer pain point,” the statement added.
The Commission stated it is intensifying monitoring, enforcement, and collaboration with sector regulators to address these concerns.
The Commission encouraged regulated entities to study its data trends and strengthen internal mechanisms for handling consumer complaints, ensuring that issues are addressed promptly and equitably.
Consumers were encouraged to continue reporting violations through the FCCPC complaint portal: complaints.fccpc.gov.ng, or FCCPC zonal and state offices.
First Bank of Nigeria Limited (FirstBank) has secured a significant victory at the Court of Appeal in its case against General Hydrocarbons Limited (GHL) filed by their lawyers Babajide Koku SAN and Victor Ogude SAN, as reported by Nairametrics.
In its ruling on Thursday, 11 September 2025, the Court of Appeal set aside the earlier decision of the Federal High Court, Port. Harcourt, Obile J, which had dismissed FirstBank’s claims regarding the fraudulent diversion of proceeds from the sale of crude oil cargo pledged as collateral for loan facilities.
The dispute arose from crude oil aboard the FPSO Tamara Tokoni, which GHL had pledged to FirstBank as security for substantial loan facilities. Contrary to the terms of the pledge, GHL diverted the proceeds from the sale of the cargo, prompting the Bank to seek legal redress.
FirstBank filed an appeal challenging the trial court’s decision that had treated the matter as a simple debt recovery. The Court of Appeal, in its ruling, affirmed the maritime nature of the claim and emphasised the importance of preserving the Res, the crude oil cargo, as the central issue in dispute. The Court set aside the earlier order of the trial court vacating the order of arrest of the 2nd respondent.
The appellate court allowed FirstBank’s appeal and set aside the Federal High Court’s ruling. It authorised the sale of the crude oil cargo aboard FPSO Tamara Tokoni, with the proceeds to be deposited into an interest-yielding escrow account under the custody of the Chief Registrar of the Court of Appeal, pending the hearing and determination of the case at the trial court and the court of arbitration. The Chief Registrar was also appointed to take possession of the cargo and ensure its protection against dissipation or unauthorised disposition by any party.
This ruling marks a significant milestone for FirstBank and reinforces the Bank’s commitment to upholding the integrity of financial transactions and protecting the interests of its stakeholders.
FirstBank remains steadfast in its dedication to sound corporate governance, legal compliance, and the protection of its assets. The judgment of the Court of Appeal sets a strong precedent for the enforcement of collateral agreements and accountability in high-value commercial transactions.
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CBN maintains tighter controls and a lower rate at official windows, limited access and allocation restrictions force most importers, businesses, and students abroad to turn to the parallel market, where prices reflect actual demand and supply pressures. Click link to continue reading.
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