By Nweke Nweke, Awka
The investigation into alleged fraudulent business dealings between a Nigerian trader and his Chinese business associates in China is facing potential jurisdictional complexities.
While the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is already indicating interest in a matter the Inspector General of Police has last year directed INTERPOL to investigate, this raises the possibility of overlapping investigations and potential conflicts of authority.
On December 20, 2024, it was learned that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun formally requested INTERPOL’s investigation into a complaint submitted by Mr. Collins Chiedoze Idoko against Mr. Huang Chuana, a Chinese national, concerning the alleged misappropriation of a substantial amount of Chinese Renminbi.
Information from a trusted source suggests the funds in question are connected to a sub-business associate of Orinte Avemle Marketing Company Nigeria Enterprise. This enterprise, it was learnt is currently the complainant in a matter brought before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), despite allegations of having received full payment of the money in China.
It revealed that the IGP’s directive was communicated through a letter signed by DCP Asuquo Effiong, Principal Staff Officer 11, clarified that INTERPOL’s involvement was not intended to supersede an existing investigation already underway within another unit of the Nigeria Police Force.
Notwithstanding the IGP’s directive, Officer Kate Adams of the EFCC’s Oyo State office reportedly extended an invitation to Mr. Idoko to provide a statement, possibly under caution, in Ibadan, regarding the complaint he filed with the Inspector General of Police.
Sources close to the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Complex, Area 10 Abuja, have suggested that the matter being investigated by Interpol relates to Mr. Chidozie of Chido Power Oil and Logistics Services, who received the Naira equivalent of the value of goods intended for import by his customer, on behalf of his clients, paid same into his Chinese counterpart’s Nigeria domiciled bank account.
Upon confirmation of receipt of the specified funds, it was determined that Mr. Huang Chunan verified the corresponding transfer of the Renminbi (RMB) equivalent for the imported goods to the bank account of another Chinese supplier responsible for the onward supply of those goods.
Criticizing the development, the business mogul calls on the inspector General of Police to use his offices to tell EFCC to shield back their soward and allow Interpol to complete their investigation since he is having confidence in the way the matter is going in the office of the Interpol.
