The Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN) has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of acting in bad faith in the arraignment of its National Commandant, Dr. Dickson Akoh, and its Director of Finance, Mrs. Omolola Aminat Ahmed, at the FCT High Court on December 11 over what it described as a “purely civil contract dispute.”
In a statement issued Friday in Abuja by its Media Consultant, Comrade Peterhot Apeh, the organization said the EFCC had no basis criminalizing a straightforward contractual transaction between PCN and Jethel Nigeria Global Resources Limited.
According to the Corps, Contract No. 101/PCN50 for the production of badges of ranks, Nigerian/Service badges, beret badges and related kits was duly awarded to Jethel Nigeria Limited on July 12, 2024 and formally accepted by the company the same day.
PCN explained that challenges arose only after the Nigeria Police Force sealed its National Headquarters in Abuja, an action it said crippled operations nationwide and made it impossible to sell the badges to members, thereby affecting its ability to pay the contract balance.
The Corps recalled that Jethel petitioned the Police on March 6, 2025, leading to an invitation of both parties by the Office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP). The Police, after evaluating all submissions, concluded that the matter was a simple, well-documented business transaction, not a criminal case.
The Police thereafter facilitated a written agreement between both parties for short-term payment. Peace Corps said it had already complied with the agreement, making a ₦20 million part payment on December 9, 2025.
However, PCN lamented that despite the resolution reached at Force Headquarters, Jethel filed a similar petition with the EFCC just four days later — on March 10, 2025 — in “flagrant violation” of the Police-brokered agreement.
Peace Corps said the EFCC then acted improperly by taking sides with the contractor and turning a civil matter into a criminal case.
It also faulted the anti-graft agency’s conduct when its Director of Finance visited the EFCC office in Abuja to present proof of the ₦20 million part payment.
Rather than acknowledge the effort, PCN said, EFCC officials arrested and detained her unlawfully.
The organization added that the National Commandant, Dr. Akoh, was similarly detained when he went to secure her release.
PCN accused EFCC of acting as a debt recovery agency and exhibiting unprofessional behaviour inconsistent with its mandate.
The Corps also reminded the public that two separate court orders had restrained both EFCC and Jethel from taking adverse actions in the dispute.
On August 11, 2025, Justice J.E. Obanor of an Abuja High Court ordered EFCC to maintain status quo in a suit filed by Mrs. Ahmed.
On April 7, 2025, Justice Edward Okpe also restrained Jethel Nigeria Limited from harassing or taking any action against Dr. Akoh over the same contract.
PCN expressed deep concern that the EFCC proceeded with its actions “in total disregard of valid court orders,” alleging that the arraignment of its officials was motivated by malice and their refusal to “compromise” with investigators.
The organization urged EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, to intervene immediately and call the responsible operatives to order.
Finally, Peace Corps demanded that all charges against Dr. Akoh and Mrs. Ahmed be withdrawn without delay, insisting that the EFCC must not “continue to act unlawfully as a debt recovery agency for private parties.”
Peace Corps Accuses EFCC of Bad Faith in Contract Dispute Charges
