EFCC, lNTERPOL Clash in Nigerian-Chinese Fraud Probe

By Ifeanyi Ndukwe (Saint), Abuja

A heavy storm of financial misappropriations is unfolding over a high-stakes fraud investigation involving a Nigerian businessman by name, Mr Collins Chidozie and his Chinese partner, Mr Huang Chuana.

These has caused two powerful institutions namely, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and INTERPOL to cross paths in a crossroads.

The complainant, Collins Chidozie Idoko, a Nigerian trader accused Chinese national Mr. Huang Chuana of misappropriating a substantial sum in Chinese Renminbi (RMB) during a business transaction.

According to reliable sources, on December 20, 2024, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, formally mandated INTERPOL to investigate the complaint. The directive communicated through a letter signed by DCP Asuquo Effiong, emphasized that INTERPOL’s probe was not meant to override other police investigations but to ensure neutrality and transparency, given the international dimension of the case.

But this didn’t go well with the EFCC which claimed the case should be under their jurisdiction.

However, this has erupted mind-blowing questions by concerned citizens over the matter. Such have queried pertinent questions such as;

Why would EFCC step into a case already directed to INTERPOL by the IGP? Does the move suggest mistrust in INTERPOL’s process, or is it a power tussle cloaked in bureaucracy? What happens if both institutions reach conflicting conclusions?

Recall that this is not the first time EFCC has been accused of stepping into cases under INTERPOL’s purview. Analysts and human rights activists argue that Nigeria’s anti-graft war often suffers from ego clashes among its top security institutions.

On this note, the complainant has hinged his interest and fidelity of INTERPOL to deliver results.

The conflict between the business partners is as a result of a complex supply chain transaction. Sources at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Abuja, revealed that the funds in question were channeled through Orinte Avemle Marketing Company Nigeria Enterprise.

What should have been a simple import-export cycle spiraled into a keg of worms resulting to accusations, distrust, and competing petitions.

In a dramatic twist, the EFCC also entered the scene. Officer Kate Adams from the EFCC’s Oyo State office reportedly invited Mr. Idoko to provide a statement in Ibadan regarding the same allegations already being probed by INTERPOL.

This move has raised fears of duplicated efforts, overlapping mandates, and jurisdictional conflict between the two agencies.

However, reliable sources based on conditions of anonymity close to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Abuja, revealed that the disputed funds are linked to a business associate of Orinte Avemle Marketing Company Nigeria Enterprise. Allegations suggest the company may have already received full payment in China but still filed complaints in Nigeria.

Further investigation shows that Mr. Chidozie of Chido Power Oil and Logistics Services acted as a middleman. He reportedly received the naira equivalent of import funds from clients and remitted the sum into a Chinese counterpart’s Nigerian bank account. Upon confirmation, Mr. Huang Chuana allegedly processed the RMB equivalent and transferred it to another Chinese supplier responsible for delivering the goods.

This twisted web of transactions and investigations has unsettled stakeholders especially Nigerians involved in international trade.

Notably, Idoko who remains at the center of the storm, has appealed directly to the Inspector General of Police to ensure that INTERPOL completes its investigation without EFCC interference.

According to him, confidence in INTERPOL’s handling of the case is stronger, and overlapping probes only threaten to delay justice and breed confusion.

While EFCC prides itself as Nigeria’s foremost watchdog against financial crimes, INTERPOL offers a neutral and international dimension crucial in cross-border disputes.

For now, the spotlight rests on IGP Kayode Egbetokun and EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, whose leadership decisions will determine justice prevails.

Idoko has publicly appealed to the IGP to “tell EFCC to sheath their sword” and allow INTERPOL to complete the process.

His words: “I have confidence in the way INTERPOL is handling this case,”

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