Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), has officially denied reports circulating in the media claiming he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a statement issued through the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, Abdullahi clarified that he was never taken into custody but rather voluntarily honoured a formal invitation from the anti-graft agency.
He emphasized that his appearance was a routine engagement carried out in the spirit of transparency and respect for constituted authority.
A statement released by his Media Aide, Alhaji Abdulrasaq Danjuma, maintained that the Director-General’s actions were in strict adherence to due process.
The commission stressed that as a responsible public servant, Abdullahi is committed to accountability and saw the invitation as a standard procedure.
By proactively addressing the rumours, the ECN leadership aims to dispel any notion of a forceful detention, characterizing the encounter as a voluntary cooperation with investigators rather than a criminal apprehension.
The Director-General further appealed to the general public and the media to exercise restraint and avoid the spread of “sensational commentary” and unverified claims.
He warned that such misinformation only serves to distort facts and create unnecessary social tension. Abdullahi urged all stakeholders to allow the relevant agencies the necessary space to carry out their constitutional responsibilities, ensuring that the truth emerges through lawful and transparent channels.
Reiterating the core tenets of the Nigerian legal system, the statement reminded the public that any matters currently under discussion remain mere allegations. “In line with established principles of justice and fairness, every individual is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise,” the statement read.
Abdullahi called for calm among his supporters and associates, urging them to remain law-abiding while the investigation follows its natural course through the appropriate legal frameworks.
