Concerned EKEDC Staff Petition ICPC, NERC, EFCC, Vice President Over alleegd Fraud in Eko Disco

A petition has been submitted by Concerned EKEDC Staff to the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Vice President regarding fraud within Eko Electricity Distribution Plc, also known as Eko DISCO.

Earlier reports by Newsone Nigeria highlighted the significant corruption within one of Nigeria’s key electricity distribution companies, Eko Electricity Distribution Plc (EKEDP), commonly known as Eko DISCO.

The company has faced challenges with inadequate service provision, leading to numerous complaints from customers about inefficiencies and operational struggles.

EKEDP’s challenges have been attributed in part to significant corruption within the organization, involving certain top management staff members. These staff members are accused of aiding ghost workers within the company, resulting in substantial financial gains from these illicit activities.

Reports sourced from Sahara Reporters and monitored by Newsone Nigeria indicate that the extent of the fraudulent activities within EKEDP involves millions of Naira. One individual, in particular, Wola Joseph, the Chief Legal Officer (CLO) of EKEDP, has been implicated in these fraudulent dealings.

According to the report, Wola Joseph was involved in the employment of a family friend who presented a fake certificate. Despite this fraudulent act, which was known to the company’s board members, including Dere Otubu, the Chairman, no action was taken.

Furthermore, it is alleged that certain board members have shielded Wola Joseph from investigation, despite complaints and evidence linking her to various fraudulent activities within the company.

One source revealed, “The leadership of the EKEDC (EKEDP) has been unfair to the staff and whistleblowers who have reported Wola’s many atrocities. The MD, Dr Tinuade Sanda has kept quiet all along as Wola tramples on people as she wants in the company because she knows she’s covered.”

Displeased with the prevalence of fraud within Eko Disco, Concerned EKEDC Staff submitted a petition to the ICPC, NERC, EFCC, and the Vice President. The petition, dated 13th March 2024, outlined the facts surrounding the fraudulent activities within EKEDP, particularly highlighting the role of Wola Joseph, the CLO.

The petition stated, “EKEDC has been fraught with a lot of fraudulent activities and so many cover-ups have happened like the recent one involving the Chief Legal Officer of Eko Electricity Distribution Company, Wola Joseph.”

“Wola Joseph is the Chief Legal Officer (CLO) of EKEDC, an officer that is supposed to be of respect, which is to uphold law and order, but instead, the office has been abused by the CLO since 2013 for personal use and gains,” the petition continued.

The petition detailed instances of Wola Joseph’s involvement in fraudulent activities, including the use of ghost workers who never worked for EKEDC and continued to receive salaries and benefits. This fraudulent scheme reportedly cost the company nearly N100 million.

The petitioners also raised concerns about the role of Mr. George Etomi, a former director of EKEDC and a prominent lawyer, who was involved in the secondment arrangement related to the fraudulent activities.

In their requests, the petitioners urged the Public Petition Committee to intervene and protect the company from further losses. They called for an investigation into the fraud, bringing all culprits to justice, and recovering all misappropriated funds.

The petitioners concluded by emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the integrity of EKEDC to ensure its sustainability for years to come.

See the full Petition by Concerned EKEDC Staff below: