Simbi Wabote Denies EFCC Arrest, Clarifies Involvement in Modular Refinery Project

Simbi Wabote, the former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), has denied reports suggesting he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the NCDMB’s investment in a modular refinery project.

The project, led by Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited, aimed to develop a refinery on Brass Island in Bayelsa State.

In a statement shared with journalists, Wabote clarified that he was not arrested but had responded to a routine invitation from the EFCC. He explained that he arrived at the EFCC office at 2 PM on Tuesday and left by 6:30 PM after providing his statement.

“I honoured the EFCC’s invitation as any responsible person would,” Wabote said. “I was scheduled to go on the 29th of October, but I informed them of my travel plans and agreed to report upon my return. I went in, wrote my statement, and was home by evening.”

Wabote also clarified that the EFCC’s interest in the Atlantic refinery project was related to cash flow challenges faced by the company, not allegations of fraud or misconduct. He dismissed claims that NCDMB made a poor investment under his leadership, explaining that the board had strategically invested in 17 projects, with the Atlantic refinery project being the only one experiencing delays.

“The Atlantic project promoter has faced cash flow issues and communicated his intention to resolve the matter with NCDMB. He has even offered to buy out NCDMB’s investment if necessary,” Wabote stated. “These challenges are purely business-related and not fraud or a scam.”

Wabote expressed disappointment over what he called “irresponsible media reports” aimed at tarnishing his reputation and urged journalists to ensure accuracy and avoid spreading unverified information.