Operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested Abdulazeez Gbadebo, a station manager with Emadeb Energy Service Limited, over allegations of diverting company funds amounting to N500 million.

The arrest followed a petition by the energy company after an external audit allegedly uncovered fraudulent practices.

According to the petition, Gbadebo was accused of illegally diverting and selling bulk petrol, with proceeds reportedly channeled into his personal bank accounts.

Preliminary investigations by the EFCC revealed that the suspect allegedly sold petrol and diesel in bulk directly to private individuals while manipulating pump meters to cover his tracks.

The anti-graft agency said these schemes enabled him to bypass company accounts and conceal the scale of the alleged fraud.

During the operation, EFCC operatives reportedly recovered high-value assets suspected to be proceeds of crime.

Among the items seized were an ash-coloured Mercedes Benz, three Mini Coopers, a white Mercedes Benz GLK, property documents linked to the Kaduna Geographical Information System (KADGIS), a certificate of occupancy, a three-bedroom detached bungalow, and three landed properties.

The EFCC confirmed that Gbadebo is currently in custody and would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

The commission reiterated its commitment to tackling fraud and financial crimes.