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Group Petitions EFCC Over Alleged Diversion Of Funds At Shippers’ Council
A civil society organisation, Coalition Against Corruption and Social Vices, has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged diversion of N36 billion public funds at the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) between June and December 2025.
In a petition dated February 2, 2026 and acknowledged by the anti-graft agency under petition number EFCC/PET/HQR/0598/2026, the group accused the Executive Secretary of the NSC, Mr. Pius G. Akutah, alongside the Director of Inland Transport Services, Mr. Garta Ahmadu, and the Director of Finance and Accounts, Mr. Olaniyi Stephen, of illegally diverting the Council’s funds for personal use.
The petition, signed by the National Convener, Dr. Samuel Mashin, and the National Secretary, Christopher Torumbe, alleged that the trio engaged in multiple acts of financial misconduct, including the unauthorised release and approval of Council funds.
According to the group, the alleged infractions extend beyond the purported N36 billion diversion, claiming that an additional N2 billion was siphoned from the Council’s treasury for the purchase of 50 units of 2027 Toyota Sienna vehicles, allegedly linked to a planned 2027 governorship ambition.
The petitioners further accused the NSC leadership of approving what they described as illegal hikes in shipping and terminal charges without due consideration of the broader economic implications, alleging that the increases had resulted in cargo diversion to neighbouring countries and a decline in government revenue.
They also claimed that the Executive Secretary’s actions allegedly encouraged fraudulent practices among senior officials within the Council, thereby weakening confidence in Nigeria’s maritime regulatory framework.
The group said it had submitted documentary evidence to the EFCC to support its claims and urged the Commission to invite the officials named in the petition for questioning.
“We are ready to testify against the three of them at any trial court if invited,” the petitioners stated, while calling on the anti-graft agency to ensure that the accused persons do not interfere with the investigative process.
The EFCC, in a receipt issued on Monday, February 2, 2026 at 2:20 p.m., confirmed that it had received the petition from the Lagos-based organisation.
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