BREAKING: EFCC to Probe BPP Director-General as Mass Protests Erupt in Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has pledged to investigate allegations of corruption against the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, following a mass protest at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday.

Members of the Conference of Civil Society for Transparency and Accountability (COCTA) led the protest, demanding the immediate removal of Dr. Adedokun and a comprehensive probe into alleged corrupt practices within the BPP. The protesters also called for an investigation into more than 100 bank accounts reportedly linked to the alleged receipt of bribes in exchange for the issuance of Certificates of No Objection.

The allegations, contained in a petition earlier submitted to the EFCC by a legal practitioner, Musa Aliyu, Esq., accuse Dr. Adedokun and his Chief of Staff, Mr. Olanrewaju Obasa, of operating proxy and unofficial bank accounts, receiving foreign exchange and other financial inducements from contractors, and accepting vehicles and other gratifications connected to procurement approvals. COCTA stressed that these claims remain allegations and not findings of guilt.

Addressing the protesters, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, assured that the commission would thoroughly investigate the matter. “We will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice,” Oyewale said, reaffirming the EFCC’s commitment to accountability and due process.

COCTA also disclosed that the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has been petitioned to verify the asset declarations of Dr. Adedokun and members of his household, as part of broader efforts to ensure transparency.

In a formal letter to the EFCC Chairman, COCTA urged the commission to commence an immediate and impartial investigation, recommend the suspension of the BPP Director-General pending the outcome of the probe, and provide periodic updates to the public in line with legal protocols.

The BPP is the federal agency responsible for regulating public procurement and ensuring transparency in government contracting. Civil society groups say the allegations, if substantiated, could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s procurement system and highlight the need for stronger oversight.

As Nigeria continues its fight against corruption, the EFCC’s response to the petition and protests is expected to draw close public scrutiny in the coming days.