Ex-AGF Malami, Ex-NPA MD Koko, and Current MD Dansofo Fingered
By Idibia Gabriel, Kaduna
A Nigerian contractor, Mr. Emmanuel Otokpa, has alleged that funds amounting to N57 billion, meant for contracts awarded by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), have been siphoned.
Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna, Otokpa claimed that the contract was awarded to him in 2022 through the office of former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, but the funds were diverted, leaving him in financial distress.
Alleged Fraud in Contract Award Process
Otokpa alleged that the contract process, conducted through an “in-house bidding,” was controlled by Malami’s associates. He claimed that all requirements, including project costing and approvals, were met, yet the funds never reached the contractors.
According to him, the projects were awarded to several companies, with some of the benefiting institutions including Argungu College of Medicine in Kebbi State and Kaduna State University. However, due to the alleged siphoning of funds, these projects remain unexecuted.
Downward Review and EFCC Involvement
Otokpa stated that under the current NPA Managing Director, Alhaji Dansofo Abubakar, the contract sum was reviewed downwards to N25 billion in 2024, following an EFCC recommendation after he filed a petition against the delay. Later, the sum was increased to N30 billion after cost reviews.
He narrated how Malami’s aides, including Nafiyu Luga, Special Adviser to the former AGF, and Hamza Yakubu, Malami’s Personal Assistant, assured him that the contract was legitimate and encouraged him to invest resources in the process.
Otokpa further alleged that he was compelled to fund the bidding process, including paying N1 million upfront and covering travel expenses for government officials and subcontractors involved.
Unfair Awarding of Contracts
The contractor recounted how he discovered that the NPA had secretly begun releasing award letters to some companies without informing him, despite his prior involvement in the process.
“When I learned about this, I confronted the officials involved, but I was ignored. I later realized that the process was hijacked, and my efforts were in vain,” he said.
He added that Malami’s wife allegedly intervened at some point, insisting that the contract letter should be given to him. However, she was reportedly pressured by family members to stay away from the matter.
Call for Presidential Intervention
Otokpa’s legal team, Bola Aidi (SAN) & Co, had earlier written multiple petitions to relevant authorities, including the EFCC, demanding the release of the award letter. However, he claims no action has been taken.
He urged the Presidency and anti-corruption agencies to intervene and ensure that the contracts are executed for the benefit of Nigerians.
“I am not here to fight anyone. I just want justice so that I can deliver the projects that were approved,” Otokpa concluded.
