Peace Corps Faults EFCC Over Arraignment of Commandant, Finance Director …accuses anti-graft agency of acting in bad faith

The Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN) on Friday in Abuja accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of acting in bad faith over the arraignment of its National Commandant, Dr. Dickson Akoh, and its Director of Finance, Mrs. Omolola Aminat Ahmed, at the FCT High Court on Thursday.

According to the Corps, the arraignment of the two officials over contractual dealings was unlawful, illegal, and entirely unnecessary.

In a statement issued by its Media Consultant, Comrade Peterhot Apeh, the Peace Corps faulted the EFCC for criminalizing what it described as a purely civil contract between the Peace Corps of Nigeria and Jethel Nigeria Global Resources Limited.

The statement explained that contract No. 101/PCN50 — for the production of badges of ranks, Nigerian/Service badges, beret badges, and related kits — was legitimately awarded to Jethel Nigeria Limited on July 12, 2024, and formally accepted the same day in writing by the company’s Managing Director, Okocha Jones Gido.

PCN stated that complications in payment arose after the Police sealed off its National Secretariat in Abuja, a development that crippled its operations nationwide.

Specifically, the Corps emphasized that it could not complete payment of the contract sum because it was unable to sell the badges to its members across the country due to the ongoing closure of its Secretariat.

The organization recalled that Jethel Nigeria had petitioned the Police on March 6, 2025, leading to an invitation extended to the National Commandant by the Police via letter No. 3000/IGP-SEC/MU/ABJ/T.2/Vol.115. After hearing arguments from both parties, the office of the Inspector General of Police concluded that the issue was merely a documented business transaction between the parties.

PCN expressed satisfaction that, in compliance with the Police-mediated agreement, it made a first part payment of N20 million on December 9, 2025.

However, the Corps lamented that despite the Police resolution, Jethel still forwarded a similar petition to the EFCC on March 10, 2025, in violation of the agreement reached at the Police headquarters.

The Peace Corps criticized the EFCC for arresting and detaining its Director of Finance on December 9, when she visited the Commission’s Abuja office to present proof of the N20 million part payment. According to the organization, instead of acknowledging the payment, EFCC operatives unlawfully detained her.

The Corps added that it was disheartening that the EFCC went on to arrest and detain its National Commandant when he visited the Commission to secure the Director’s release.

PCN called on EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede — who it described as a lawyer by training — to intervene and rein in operatives involved in these actions.

The organization emphasized that the EFCC must respect court orders, noting that an Abuja High Court presided over by Justice J.E. Obanor had on August 11, 2025, directed the EFCC to maintain the status quo regarding the contract dispute between Peace Corps of Nigeria and Jethel Limited.

It further cited another order by Justice Edward Okpe of an Abuja High Court on April 7, 2025, restraining Jethel Limited from harassing, arresting, or taking any adverse action against Dr. Dickson Akoh over the same dispute.

The Peace Corps therefore demanded an immediate withdrawal of the charges against its Commandant and Director of Finance, arguing that the EFCC must not reduce itself to a debt recovery agency for individuals or organizations.