EFCC arrests Top NCAA’s Account Officials over alleged N2bn DTA Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested four top officials of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) over alleged N2 billion fraud, Gentechnews can report.

Sources familiar with the matter told Gentechnews that the arrested officials include Bilkisu Adamu Sani, director, finance and accounts; and 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 the source, Kaainjo was said to have been taken into EFCC custody on Thursday, March 16, while the others were arrested on Monday, March 20.

It was gathered that the four officials are currently being grilled by a team of operatives at the anti-graft agency’s headquarters, 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.

Recall, President Muhammadu Buhari in 2022 approved the increase of DTAs for ministers, permanent secretaries and civil servants on grade levels (GL) one to 17.

The approval of the new allowances was conveyed in a circular issued by Ekpo Nta, chairperson of the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC) and it took effect on September 1, 2022.