The Abia State Government has confirmed the arrest of Onyekachi Nwabueze, a Civil Servant and a blogger by the Department of State Services (DSS) for alleged involvement in a pension fund fraud scheme.
Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti, in a statement on Friday disclosed that Nwabueze was arrested for alleged fraud, impersonation, illegal conversion of pension funds, and economic sabotage.
He added that an interim investigation report suggests that Nwabueze is a significant member of a syndicate known for diverting pension funds intended for retired state employees.
The DSS investigation uncovered that millions of naira meant for pensioners were misappropriated, denying retirees their entitled benefits.
Ekeoma denounced this act as a serious violation of public trust and promised that the state would seek justice to safeguard the rights of its retirees.
The statement reads, “This is to inform the general public that one Mr. Onyekachi Success Nwabueze, a civil servant with the Abia State Government was yesterday arrested by operatives of the State Security Service in connection with an allegation of fraud, impersonation, criminal conversion of pension funds and economic sabotage.
“Interim Investigation report revealed that Mr. Nwabueze is a member of a notorious syndicate that specialises in stealing pension funds.
“Mr. Nwabueze has since confessed his involvement in the crime which saw him benefit millions of naira and has provided useful information that's aiding security agencies to track down other fleeing members of the syndicate.
“While investigation is ongoing, the Abia State government assures that Mr. Nwabueze and any other person or persons arrested in connection with the crime shall be treated fairly in security custody and in accordance with the provisions of the law”.
Family and friends of the suspect have strongly criticized the manner in which he was apprehended at his office, describing the actions as excessive and unwarranted.
They argue that the authorities could have handled the situation with more professionalism and respect. They called for a fair and transparent investigation.
A PDP Chieftain, Jude Chijioke Ndukwe had said via Facebook , “It is despotic and tyrannical to make a citizen disappear without a trace in Abia. What is Abia State becoming? Where is Onyekachi Nwabueze?”
