The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested and detained a Commissioner of Police, Victor Onofiok, over alleged N1.9 billion fraud.

The suspect, who was being detained at press time, was alleged to have favoured companies close to him in the award of contracts.

A top source in the anti-graft agency said: “A serving Commissioner of Police, Victor Onofiok, is being grilled by operatives of the EFCC over a N1.9 billion fraud.

“Onofiok, who is the CP Works at the Force Headquarters, was detained on November 30 after he was released for interrogation by the police.

“The officer, who has been CP Works since 2014, is alleged to have awarded contracts worth more than N1.9 billion to ‘companies’ in which he has interest.

“The companies include Dutse Allah Construction Ventures; Nne-Edak Technical Ventures; Puristic Adherent Company; Quality Watch Construction Company and Faksene International.

“These entities were found to be mere business names and not limited companies.”

As at press time, it was gathered that the EFCC was still trailing some likely accomplices of the suspect.

The source added: “So far, the CP is still in detention, but we cannot rule out likely accomplices. We are considering all clues.

“I can assure you that all those connected with the fraud will be brought to book.

“We have however intensified investigation.”

A police source said: “Based on a request to the IGP, Onofiok, who was elevated to the post of CP on January 23, 2014, was released to EFCC.

“We are awaiting the outcome of the police preliminary investigation before we can talk of the next disciplinary action against him.”

The uncovering of the N1.9bn fraud at the Force Headquarters came about 11 years after a former Inspector-General of Police, Tafa Balogun, was arrested and tried for N5.7 billion fraud.

•Excerpted from a report by The Nation.

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