EFCC arrests Diezani’s cousin over oil deals

Barely a week after Admiral Alison Madueke (retd) was invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the anti-graft agency yesterday, moved against Mr. Donald Chidi Amamgbo, a cousin of the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke. Donald Chidi Amamgbo, believed to have played a pivotal role in oil lifting while Mrs. Alison-Madueke held sway as Petroleum Minister, was arrested in Lagos at about 4.20p.m. yesterday. sources learned that Amamgbo is chief executive of Mezcor Oil and Gas limited, Tridax Oil and Gas Limited, Lynear Energy Limited and Bulk Strategic Reserves Limited.

Operatives also searched his Abuja office and premises at 5, Sannar Street, Wuse 2. A source in the agency disclosed that sensitive documents, showing how the firm bought choice property, were retrieved during the search. Amamgbo allegedly got approval to lift Nigerian crude oil without any requisite experience. Through his companies, Amamgbo was said to have lifted crude oil and gas worth billions of dollars over a period of four years. Sources at the commission said investigation into the case was continuing. At press time, it was not clear if he would be granted administrative bail. The arrest of Amamgbo comes barely a week after the EFCC quizzed Diezani’s husband over some cash found in his accounts. He was, however, released after making statement to the operatives.