EFCC Arrests Mba, NBC DG over Alleged $170m MTN Fund

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), yesterday, arrested Emeka Mba, director-general, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), over an alleged $170m fraud.

Mba was arrested in Abuja and taken to the EFCC’s headquarters where he is currently being grilled.

The DG’s arrest may not be unconnected with the about $170 million paid to the commission by MTN, leading GSM service provider.

The amount was to assist NBC meet the 2015 deadline set by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) for countries to switch over to digital broadcasting.

Nigeria failed to meet the deadline, prompting stakeholders to call for investigation of the role of NBC in the matter and how fund budgeted for the project was utilized.

As at the time of filling in this report, Mba was still being quizzed by the operatives of the EFCC at the headquarters in Wuse 2, Abuja.

Mr. Awwalu Salihu, head, Public Affairs of the NBC, confirmed that his boss was with the EFCC, but denied the report that he was arrested.

According to him, Mba went to the commission on his volition in response to a letter of invitation sent to him by the EFCC.

Before his arrest yesterday, the commission and its officials have been under the EFCC investigation for the past one month.

Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, spokesman of the EFCC, could not be reached for comments.