Diezanigate: EFCC Declares Benedict Peters Wanted Over N23bn Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has declared billionaire businessman and Managing Director of Aiteo Group, Mr. Benedict Peters, wanted.

Benedict Peters, Managing Director Aiteo Group

Peters was declared wanted for his alleged involvement in the $115m (N23bn) bribe given to officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission by a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, during the build-up to the 2015 election.

The notice read in part, “Dark-complexioned Peters is wanted in connection with a case of criminal conspiracy , diversion of funds and money laundering. He hails from Abakaliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. His last known address is 8B Agodogba Avenue, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos.”

Peters is alleged to have given Diezani about $60m during the build-up to the 2015 presidential election.

The EFCC had alleged that the MD of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, helped Diezani convert $115m to N23bn after which it was disbursed to INEC officials.

The source said, “We have launched investigations into the companies that gave Diezani money in form of kickbacks. About $60m came from Northern Belt Gas Company Limited. We have not been able to ascertain the directors of the company. However, we found out that Mr. Benedict Peters is the sole signatory to the account at Fidelity Bank.

“All attempts to get him have proved abortive. We currently do not know where he is and he is hardly ever in one place because he has a private jet.”