Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade and Investment, Dr. Evelyn Ngige has been petitioned on allegations of suspicion of fraud, obtaining false pretenses, criminal breach of trust among others.
According to a petition which was initiated by Phantom Digital Technologies Services Ltd, and signed by Azeez Taiwo Hassan Esq. and Adaobi Obioma Esq. called the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba demanded a thorough investigation into the allegations levelled against the Permanent Secretary.
The petitioner quoted that it was contended by the Permanent Secretary that the contract for the procurement and supply of the 14 mikano pick-up vans executed by the director (General Services) of the Ministry was void ab initio had breached the contract and maliciously misappropriated government funds for personal use, without fulfilling the terms of the contract.
“Our client has now realised that fraud has been committed against the company in a bid to unlawfully obtain motor vehicles and drag the company to disrepute and ruin.
“information available to our client now reveals that this was a ploy set up from the onset to lay false accusations on the company and its management. It has become evident to us that the permanent Secretary dubiously issued oral directives to the Director (General Services) only to deny same and question the validity of the contract. Notably, the permanent acted on the same contract she now seeks to invalidate by receiving the said vehicles and distributing them to various states office of the Ministry which has been put to use till date.
“We are aware that under the section 4 of Nigeria Police Act, 2020, the police force has power to cause investigation to be conducted in order to prevent and detect crimes and protect the rights and freedom of every person in Nigeria as provided in the constitution or any other applicable law.
The petitioner urged the IGP to investigate the allegation of sabotage and infringement on the fundamental rights of their rights. “We accordingly appeal you to use your good office to investigate this petition and bring the culprit to book in order to ensure that our client is protected from unlawful abuse and victimisation.
