The probe follows public outcry over subsidy fraud and federal government's resolve to trace how the controversial N1.3 trillion was disbursed in 2011.
LEADERSHIP exclusively gathered last night that the EFCC operatives intend to investigate and audit all the transactions of the KRPC over the years.
The minister of petroleum resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, had invited the anti-graft agency to investigate the NNPC based on the KPMG's interim report.
A source who is close to the refinery, but sought anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the matter, confided in LEADERSHIP that "the operatives of the EFCC have, since their arrival, been interrogating staff of the company including those whose appointments are yet to be confirmed".
LEADERSHIP gathered that the aim of the visit was to ascertain how the corporation had been distributing refined petroleum products and who had benefitted illegally from the fuel subsidy through over-invoicing, smuggling, false declarations of cargo and other shady practices in the two companies.
Senior officers of the corporation are afraid of being arrested by officers of the anti-graft agency, a sure said.
LEADERSHIP further gathered that the anti-graft body was working on information gathered from documents it carted away from the offices of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA).
KRPC has over the years, been involved in refining PMS for major marketers in the country, especially from across the North.
Confirming the development, a top official of the EFCC, who sought anonymity said, "Of course, our investigators are currently at the place as part of our job to unravel the circumstances behind the alleged subsidy mismanagement.
"I can also tell you that our team of investigators will also visit other places to carry out thorough investigation
Meanwhile, a former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) , Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN), a former President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA ), Chief Onueze Okocha (SAN) and Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), have urged the Acting Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, to use the probe of the subsidy fraud as a window of opportunity to earn the headship of the commission.
The lawyers spoke during separate interviews with one of our correspondents yesterday.
The legal practitioners added that the way Lamorde handled the subsidy mismanagement would prove the seriousness of the federal government in the war against graft. Akinjide said, " Lamorde is a very efficient and reputable person. If you've been following his track record, you will find out that he will no doubt be able to do the job. I think we should allow him to settle down, and give him the cooperation he may need."
For Okocha, "Do we have any other agency that can do what the EFFCC is charged to do? If the answer is no, then we must give the agency the opportunity to prove that it has what it takes to fight corruption. And to do a good job too. The fact that he is acting should not be an excuse not to do a thorough job. In fact, it is an impetus for him to impress Nigerians. So we can say this is a test case for him. This will actually show whether he can do the job or not".
Ozekhome said, "Lamorde, I believe has a historical opportunity dropped on his laps by God to distinguish himself and to show that he is not going to be anybody's stooge .He has to show to Nigerians that he has the capability to hold the office of chairman of the EFCC, not as his predecessor did but as a person who has high level of discipline.
"The Senate has also been given a parameter to assess him in the first instance. The subsidy mismanagement is a brazen assault on Nigerians. He, therefore, has to show the Senate that he has the capacity and transparency needed to do the job. Lamorde has to prove that he is ready to step on toes, no matter how big. He must be able to unravel the mystery of how the subsidy cost rose mysteriously from N240billion budgeted to N1.3trillion within a space of nine months.
"The PPRA has sad that it imports petrol far in excess of what Nigerians consume, so it is obvious that oil marketers pocket the proceeds of this huge expenses.
Nigerians want to see a thorough investigation done, not only that, but that those found to be culpable are prosecuted and brought to book. This will send the right signal that this government is truly committed to fighting corruption to a standstill."
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