NDDC Staff Allege Intimidation, Unlawful Arrest by Director

NDDC Staff Allege Intimidation, Unlawful Arrest by Director

Some staff members of the Niger Delta Development Commission have accused the Acting Director of the Dispute and Conflict Resolution Department, Goddey Ogedegbe, of intimidation, abuse of office and the alleged orchestration of the arrest and detention of an employee.

The staff members, who spoke with our correspondent on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation, alleged that a staff member, Zino Mukoro, was arrested and detained on what they described as “trumped-up charges” of attempted murder and fraud.

According to the sources, Mukoro’s arrest followed his refusal to carry out directives he believed were unlawful.

“He was punished for saying no to an illegal instruction,” one of the sources said. “This matter has nothing to do with crime.”

The sources further claimed that police officers handling the case had privately admitted that the petition against Mukoro lacked evidence.

“We were told clearly that there was no substance in the petition, but he is still being held because they said they were acting on instructions from above,” another source alleged.

Mukoro, a father of two whose wife reportedly gave birth a few months ago, has remained in custody, a development colleagues described as “cruel and unjust.”

Beyond Mukoro’s case, the staff members alleged that intimidation within the department had forced at least six employees to abandon the office, while others were seeking transfers.

“People are running for their lives,” a source said. “Nobody wants to be the next victim.”

The sources further alleged that Ogedegbe often boasted of strong connections within the police and the management of the commission, warning staff against resistance.

“He keeps telling people that if you don’t do what he says, nothing can save you,” one source claimed.

The allegations have raised concerns within the commission, particularly as Ogedegbe heads a department responsible for dispute resolution.

The aggrieved staff members called on the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC, Samuel Ogbuku, to intervene urgently to prevent further escalation.

When contacted, Ogedegbe declined to comment on the allegations.

Our correspondent reported that the director dismissed the inquiry and verbally abused the reporter during the phone conversation.

Efforts to get an official response from the management of the NDDC were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.