The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), has arrested four top officials of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) over alleged N2 billion Duty Tour Allowance fraud.
Sources revealed that the suspects arrested were Bilkisu Adamu Sani, Director, Finance and Accounts; Hart Benson Fimienye, Deputy General Manager, Treasury; Obene Jenbarimiema Turniel, Deputy General Manager (Management Accounts) and Nathaniel Terna Kaainjo, General Manager (Accounts and Stores).
According to source, Nathaniel Kaainjo was taken into EFCC’s custody last Thursday while others were arrested yesterday (Monday) and are currently being grilled by a team of operatives at the anti-graft agency’s headquarters, Abuja.
It was alleged that the NCAA officials illegally paid themselves and others Duty Tour Allowance in excess of N2bn.
“Mr Kaainjo was taken into our custody on Thursday, March 16, 2023, and others were arrested on Monday, March 20, 2023, and they are being grilled by a team of operatives at the anti-graft agency’s headquarters, Abuja,” the source said.
It will be recalled that the illegal payment of DTA by top government officials has become rampant in the public service in recent years despite the numerous anti-corruption strategies being introduced by the government.
The practice appears to be flourishing as the perpetrators are not often promptly prosecuted in line with extant regulations.