Dr. Philips Nto Voices Frustration Over Prolonged EFCC Investigation
Dr. Philips Nto, the former Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development in Abia State, has expressed his frustration over what he describes as “unending harassment” by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This comes in the wake of a nine-year investigation that has yet to yield any formal charges against him.
Currently a lecturer at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nto is calling on the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to review his case file and clarify the nature of the accusations. He questioned the rationale behind the EFCC’s prolonged investigation without filing charges since its inception.
Nto revealed that he recently received another text message from the EFCC, demanding his presence in Abuja with less than a day’s notice to address unspecified “grey areas.” He expressed frustration over this pattern of last-minute summons, particularly noting that such invitations often occur at the end of each year.
Despite his request for a week to prepare and for the opportunity to report to the EFCC’s Enugu office instead, Nto’s plea was denied. He recounted an encounter with an EFCC officer who allegedly threatened him with arrest if he did not comply immediately.
The former commissioner challenged the EFCC to either file charges against him or conclude their investigation, emphasizing his readiness to defend his record as finance commissioner in court. He stated, “I am willing to face any charges; my record is clean.”
Nto also raised concerns for his safety, claiming the EFCC has unnecessarily threatened his life despite his consistent compliance over the years. He noted that his residence is known, and he has always responded to their summons. “I don’t see the urgency in giving me less than a day to travel to Abuja from Umuahia,” he lamented.
In his appeal, Nto urged EFCC Chairman Ola Olukayode to address the conduct of the commission’s officers to prevent further damage to his reputation. He criticized what he termed the “military-style” operations of the EFCC, asserting that such practices are contrary to democratic values and urged the commission to adhere to due process.