A former son-in-law to ex- aviation minister, Kema Chikwe, has been
arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a
case of obtaining by false pretence.
Dumebi Kachikwu, an Abuja-based multi-millionaire was arrested on the
evening of Friday, January 9th when he turned himself over to EFCC
custody.
EFCC operatives had previously raided his No 27 Gana Street, Maitama,
Abuja home in the early hours of same day and executed a search
warrant of the property.
On December 23, 2014 the EFCC had invited Kachikwu for questioning
following a petition from Ndudi Elumelu, Chairman House of
Representatives Committee on Health, who until recently was
governorship aspirant in Delta State. The petitioner claimed that
Kachikwu fleeced him of N750million under the guise of helping him to
actualize his dream of emerging flag bearer of the PDP in Delta State.
Dumebi Kachikwu is a business associate of a national vice chairman of
the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
According to emerging reports, Kachikwu had allegedly flaunted his
connection to bigwigs of the PDP at national and state levels, telling
the petitioner that he needed the money to persuade the executives of
the party in supporting his political ambitions in Delta State.
However, Kachikwu failed to deliver on his promise as the complainant
was unable to secure a coveted political position in Delta State.
Kachikwu was initially supposed to report to the EFCC on December 24,
2014 but failed to do so.
A source close to the investigation informed SaharaReporters that the
suspect had pleaded for additional time and promised to hand himself
over to the EFCC on January 8. "When we waited for him on January 8
and he did not report we decided to act, having already secured a
warrant for his arrest," the source informed SaharaReporters. Several
incriminating documents as well as five luxury vehicles were recovered
during an operation that lasted for about two hours.
At press time, Kachikwu was still being interrogated by investigators
at the Idiagbon House, home of the operations department of the EFCC.
(Sahara Reporters)
