Power City Pastor In Trouble Over Alleged Million-Naira Contract Fraud In NDDC

Power City Pastor In Trouble Over Alleged Million-Naira Contract Fraud In NDDC

OpenLife Nigeria reports that operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested a staff member of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Pastor Kelechi Benwosely Esimogu, over allegations of a large-scale financial scam linked to purported contract deals.
SaharaReporters gathered that Esimogu was arrested on Wednesday around 9:30 p.m. at a popular hospitality spot in Wuse, Abuja, by operatives of the agency.
The suspect serves as the Group Pastor of Power City International in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
She was reportedly picked up without any incident and subsequently taken into custody for further questioning.
EFCC sources told SaharaReporters that the arrest followed a petition filed by some private companies alleging that the cleric obtained hundreds of millions of Naira under the pretext of securing lucrative contracts from NDDC where she works.
According to the petitioners, Esimogu allegedly presented herself as having strong influence within the commission and convinced company representatives that she could facilitate the award of high-value projects.
“The petitioners claimed that the suspect failed to carry out the agreed job and instead allegedly diverted the funds to political activities,” one of the sources told SaharaReporters.
“Several attempts by both the complainants and investigators to reach her proved abortive. We traced her location, but she was always evading arrest by frequently changing locations and lodging in different hotels.”
“The company wasn’t the only complainant. Other companies also lodged similar petitions bordering on alleged fraudulent conduct, prompting investigators to conduct a broader, more comprehensive investigation into the matter,” the source said.

Another source added, “Payments were reportedly made in tranches over a period of time. However, the promised contracts never materialized, prompting the company to write to us to investigate.
“We invited her several times, but she didn’t show up, making excuses. However, she has been moving around in her state, Imo, declaring her intention to get involved in politics and contest in the forthcoming election.
“So, investigators are also examining whether any proceeds from the alleged scheme were deployed in political mobilization efforts, including outreach to local stakeholders and influencers.”
When contacted, EFFC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, told SaharaReporters to give him time to contact the “office”.
“Let me call the office; I would get back,” he said.
However, calls put across to him several hours after were not answered, nor returned.
NDDC was established by former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo in 2000 with the sole mandate of developing the oil-rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
The agency has, however, been plagued by deep-seated corruption, characterized by over 13,000 abandoned projects, ₦81 billion in irregular expenditures, and ₦40 billion in reckless spending, which have crippled development in Nigeria’s oil-producing region.

Meanwhile, Dr. Kelechi Benwosely Esimogu has officially declared her intention to run for the House of Representatives seat representing Okigwe North Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections. Her candidacy is grounded in a lifelong dedication to faith-based service, community development, and grassroots empowerment.
A native of Okigwe North, Esimogu emphasised that her decision is based on years of pastoral leadership and philanthropic activities aimed at uplifting women, youth, and vulnerable communities.
“My journey has always been about service, serving God, serving people, and standing in the gap for communities in need. Today, I am stepping forward to expand that service through responsible and accountable representation for the people of Okigwe North,” she said.
Dr. Esimogu serves as a Group Pastor at Powercity International in Port Harcourt, where she has led initiatives centred on spiritual mentorship, youth guidance, and community outreach. Her pastoral leadership has consistently emphasised compassion, discipline, empowerment, and ethical responsibility.
She is also a staff member of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), where she has gained firsthand insight into governance structures, infrastructure development processes, and institutional accountability. Through her work and public advocacy, she has supported initiatives focused on regional development, transparency, and sustainable community impact. Her exposure to policy implementation and project monitoring has strengthened her understanding of how federal institutions can better serve local communities.
Known for her philanthropic impact, Dr. Esimogu has supported tangible development efforts within communities, including the construction of access roads, installation of street lighting in underserved areas, and empowerment initiatives that have benefited hundreds of residents. Through targeted financial support, skills training programmes, and welfare interventions, she has consistently prioritised practical solutions that improve everyday life for families and small business owners.
As Founder of Women on Mission for Peace and Humanity, she has spearheaded several grassroots interventions, including empowerment programmes for women and young people, community welfare and material support initiatives, peace-building and advocacy efforts, and outreach programmes designed to strengthen families and promote social stability.
Dr. Esimogu affirmed that her political aspiration is built on a people-first philosophy, improved community infrastructure, and transparent, measurable representation.
“Leadership begins with listening. Before policies are drafted and promises are made, we must understand the lived realities of our people. This campaign will be built on conversation, collaboration, and community. Okigwe North deserves representation that is visible, accessible, and accountable. I am offering myself to serve with integrity, humility, and courage. Together, we can build a future defined by opportunity, inclusion, and progress.”
She emphasised that her candidacy is not driven by personal ambition but by a sense of responsibility.