Operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested one Abdulazeez Gbadebo, a station manager with Emadeb Energy Service Limited, over allegations of criminal breach of trust and diversion of funds amounting to N500million.
The EFCC, in a statement on Thursday, said Gbadebo’s arrest followed a petition filed by Emadeb Energy Service Ltd, which alleged that an external audit uncovered fraudulent practices at the station.
According to the petition, the manager was accused of manipulating fuel pump meters to divert proceeds from bulk sales of petrol into his personal accounts.
Investigators revealed that Gbadebo allegedly sold bulk quantities of petrol and diesel to individuals, but instead of remitting payments into the company’s accounts, he received the funds directly into his private bank accounts.
“The suspect diverted N500 million accrued from fraudulent fuel sales for personal use,” EFCC officials stated.
The Commission disclosed that several high-value assets were recovered during the investigation.
These include an ash-coloured Mercedes-Benz, two ash-coloured Mini Coopers, a green Mini Cooper, and a white Mercedes-Benz GLK.
Also recovered were property documents, including an original authorisation letter from the Kaduna Geographical Information System (KADGIS), a certificate of occupancy (File No. KDL 328159), a fully detached three-bedroom bungalow, and three landed properties.
The anti-graft agency added that Gbadebo will be charged to court upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
The EFCC reiterated its commitment to tackling financial crimes and warned corporate organizations to strengthen internal audit systems to curb insider fraud.