EFCC Arrests DG NABDA on Conspiracy Charge in N603m Scandal

Per Second News—The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Prof. Lucy Ogbadu, the Director-General of National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA),accusing her of playing a central role in a broad conspiracy to divert millions of naira.

The arrest of Mrs. Ogbadu is an escalation of the criminal investigation into fraudulent diversion of about N603 million by the Bayelsa State Director of Bio-resources Development Centre, Josiah Habu.

EFCC revealed that Ogbadu allegedly received N23m through a bank account belonging to the wife of Habu, Mrs Esther Habu.

Habu, is being investigated by the anti-graft agency in a case of fraudulent diversion of N75 million.

EFCC spokesman stated that Ogbadu admitted the transaction in a voluntary statement made to the commission’s investigators.

“Further investigations also revealed that Mrs Habu is one of the contractors with Bio-resources Development Centre, Odi, Bayelsa State.

“A total of N603 million has been traced to her in different deals involving over 20 directors of the centre across the country.

“Ogbadu’s involvement is being investigated. She has been duly served with bail conditions while investigations continue,’’ Uwujaren added.

Ogbadu, a professor of microbiology, was appointed NABDA director-general in November 2013.