Ajirioghene Imah
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested four top officials of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) over alleged N2 billion frauds.
It was gathered that the arrested officials which includes, 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) were arrested yesterday while Kaainjo was said to have been taken into EFCC custody on March 16.
It was also discovered that the arrested officials were questioned at the anti-graft agency’s headquarters in Abuja for allegedly paying themselves and others duty tour allowances (DTAs) in excess of N2 billion.
Duty tour refers to an official trip embarked upon by a public servant.
President Muhammadu Buhari had in 2022 approved the increase in DTAs for ministers, permanent secretaries and civil servants on grade levels (GL) one to 17.
The approval of the new allowances which was conveyed in a circular was issued by the chairperson of the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC), Ekpo Nta.
The new allowances took effect on September 1, 2022.