By Teddy Nwanunobi
Abuja (Sundiata Post) — A former Managing Director at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Esther Nnamdi-Ogbue, has denied having any thing to do with the massive stash of monies that were discovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a private residence on Gerrard Road, Ikoyi, Lagos and/or the apartment where the sums of monies were found.
EFCC, on Wednesday, reported that it has uncovered huge sums of monies, including $38 million, N23 million and £27,000 from a residential building in the 7th Floor of a four-bedroom apartment at Osborne Towers located at 16, Osborne road Ikoyi, Lagos.
Some media reports (Sundiata Post not included) mentioned Nnamdi-Ogbue as one of the residents of the house.
But in a swift reaction to the news making the rounds, on Thursday, Nnamdi-Ogbue, who spoke through her counsel, Emeka Etiaba, noted that there is no need for conjecture or speculation of stories.
“The attention of our client, Mrs. Esther Nnamdi-Ogbue has been drawn to the news making round in the news media to the effect that the large sums of money to wit: $38,000,000.00 (thirty-eight million dollars), N23,000,000.00 (twenty-three million naira) and £27,000.00 (twenty-seven thousand pounds) uncovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes (EFCC) from an apartment in Osborne Towers, Osborne Road, Ikoyi Lagos, Lagos State belong to her.
“By this press release, we inform the public (especially the news media) that the said sums of money and/or the apartment where the sums of money were found do not belong to our client.
“Our client is as shocked as many other Nigerians at the uncovering and recovery of the said sums of money, and wishes to salute the courage and efforts of the EFCC in the war against corruption.
“She also wishes to commend the whistle blowing policy introduced by the Federal Government in the fight against corruption, which policy has resulted in large scale uncovering and recovery of monies and assets.
“It is our client’s belief that the source and ownership of the said uncovered sums of money is known or eventually will be known by the EFCC in due course. There is, therefore, no need for conjecture or speculation.
“May we finally implore the News Media to be more circumspect in their publications,” the statement read.