TheCable

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it has commenced an investigation into the alleged extortion by members of the house of representatives committee probing job racketeering in ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

In a statement on Friday by Azuka Ogugua, ICPC spokesperson, the commission said it is acting on the petitions received from PREMIUM TIMES  newspaper and Yusuf Gagdi, chairman of the ad hoc committee probing the allegations against the MDAs.

“The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has commenced investigation into petitions received from Premium Times and Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Ad-Hoc Committee on the Investigation of Job Racketeering and Gross Mismanagement in Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), over bribery allegations against the probe panel,” the statement reads.

A PREMIUM TIMES investigation had alleged that the committee has been demanding bribes from the heads of the MDAs, including those of tertiary institutions, to compromise the probe.

The newspaper said its investigation revealed that the vice-chancellors paid N2 million each into a Providus Bank account number provided by the lawmakers through a middleman.

Following the revelation, the lower legislative chamber said it would probe the ad hoc committee involved.

The green chamber also asked the public and any of the affected government entities with evidence related to the allegations “to approach the house for necessary action.”

Gadji has reportedly in his petition asked the ICPC to probe the account provided by PREMIUM TIMES to establish a direct connection with members of the committee.

Gagdi, who was reported to have denied the allegations, had also summoned all the vice-chancellors of the federal universities to appear before the house today to give documentary evidence on the allegation.