A group of civil society organizations, Vanguard For New Nigeria (VNN) has written to the President, Bola Tinubu, calling for the immediate sack and prosecution of the Managing Director of Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) Muhammed Bello Koko over his alleged involvement in corruption.
VNN expressed dissatisfaction that despite several reports indicting the NPA boss, and several invitations extended to him by the Senate which he did not honour, he has continued to enjoy political cover, shielding him from sack, arrest and prosecution.
Vanguard for New Nigeria while stating that the decision to pick Muhammed Bello Koko to head Nigerian Ports Authority is a case study noted that series of corruption in the agency under him has deterred foreign investors from choosing Nigeria as a choice of destination.
Detailing series of corruption allegations under the NPA boss, VNN said, “On October 6th 2021, the famous online paper Premium-times provided detailed analysis on offshore companies and properties run by the NPA head Bello Koko titled “Inside the Secret offshore companies, London properties of NPA Chief, Bello-Koko.
“According to premium Times investigation, Bello Koko “is involved in offshore shenanigans, hiding behind two shell companies incorporated in a tax and secrecy heaven to anonymously invest in the United Kingdom protect market, potentially violating Nigeria’s public service code of conduct laws .”
“Again in November 27th 2022, Sahara Reporters also published an investigative report released by the Economic and financial crime commission in which the EFCC have established a case of fraud against Bello Koko. According to the report, the MD of the Nigeria ports authority was indicted “of being involved N829 Million fraud through kickbacks and money laundering activities.”
Peoplesmind