Diversion of Constituency Projects: ICPC Probes Delta Ex-Lawmaker
The property allegedly being investigated by ICPC in Asaba.
By Reporter
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is investigating a former House of Representatives member, Mr. Ndudi Elumelu, who represented Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency over allegations of “fraudulent diversion of government projects.”
According to a report monitored in the ‘Witness’, sources within the anti-graft agency revealed that Elumelu is accused of diverting constituency projects and converting them to personal use during his tenure.
“As part of the ongoing probe, the ICPC has sealed his multi-million-naira office building in Asaba, the Delta State capital.
“Investigations revealed that the property, identified as the ‘Asaba Massacre Monument Center,’ was a constituency project allegedly facilitated by Elumelu, but unlawfully converted for his private use,” the report stated.
The ‘Witness’ quoted ICPC spokesman, Demola Bakare as having confirmed the investigation. He stated that the project was tracked under the Ohase 7 constituency and executive projects tracking initiative.
The ‘Witness’ quoting a source said that the massive edifice was a project the former lawmaker allegedly facilitated to the constituency but converted for personal use. The project was tagged: Asaba Massacre Monument Center.
When the ‘Witness’ contacted, ICPC Spokesman, Demola Bakare, told The Witness via a text message that “A project facilitated by Hon. Ndidi Elumelu, former HoR member, and which was executed by the Federal Cooperative College Oji River, Enugu State was tracked under the phase 7 CEPTI exercise.
“The project is the construction and furnishings of Asaba Massacre Monument. ICPC Delta tracking team discovered that the project has not been handed over to the government after completion, which would thus necessitate commencement of further investigation.”
ICPC reportedly added that further investigation will commence “any moment after the collation of all tracking reports from all tracking teams,” he said.
ICPC had said it intercepted and recovered the sum of N30 billion meant for constituency projects in one year.
The anti-graft agency said it made the recoveries from items listed in the budget which were reportedly diverted by some lawmakers. The ICPC added that they were uncovered under the Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Initiative (CEPTI) phase 7, 2024 which was carried out between December 2023 and December 2024.
Elumelu, who first entered the House of Representatives in 2007, served as chairman of the House Committees on Power and Health during his tenure. He was tried for corruption by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) but was set free.
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