An investigation of two senior officials in the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, over alleged involvement in human trafficking has been launched by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP.
The officers involved are the Chief Accountant on Grade Level 14, Innocent Bola-Audu, who was sacked a few days ago as President of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN and an Assistant Executive Officer on Grade Level 13, Cecilia Aneke.
Recall that last Thursday, the Secretary-General of the ASCSN, Alade Lawal, announced the replacement of Bola-Audu with Dr Tommy Etim Okon, as its acting national president to steer its affairs, barely one year after his election, citing “certain unforeseen development that stares the union in the face”.
Bola-Audu was elected President during the 4th Quadrennial National Delegates Conference of the ASCSN in Abuja in July 2020.
It was gathered that the investigation had caused panic in the office of the AGF as there were fears that more officials could be linked to the alleged human trafficking.
NAPTIP confirmed the investigation of the two officers in a letter to the AGF with reference; NAPTIP/INV/OPS/2899/I, dated March 9, 2021.
The letter was titled, ‘Update on investigation activities: Bola Audu-Innocent, Aneke Cecilia Nkiruka.’
The agency’s letter copies of which were sent to the Office of Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan and Secretary-General of ASCSN, Alade Lawal, was signed by NAPTIP Director (Administration), Effeh P. Ekrika, for its director-general.
It stated: “I am directed to respectfully inform you that the agency has commenced investigation on above named staff of your organisation concerning a suspected case of human trafficking and exploitation of vulnerable persons involving them, contrary to the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.
“The agency, therefore, deems it necessary to update you that investigation is ongoing and your office will be updated on further development on the case.
“While appreciating your support in the fight against human trafficking and its associated crimes, please accept as always the assurance of the director-general’s esteemed regard”.
The two-paragraphed query by the Office of the AGF with Ref. ADM/DISC/05/110, dated March 11 2021 was issued by the Deputy Director (Appointment, Promotion and Discipline), V. O. Wategire on behalf of the AGF.
Sources stated that Bola-Audu was arrested by NAPTIP and detained for two weeks over alleged human trafficking but was not told who sent a petition against him.
