By Amos Aar
THE CHAIRMAN of the Benue State council of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Comrade Michael Vembe, has denied rumors that he was arrested alongside the union’s treasurer by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) last week over alleged embezzlement of N364 million.
A reliable source in NUP, who pleaded anonymity, told National Record on Saturday that the incumbent chairman, treasurer, and secretary of the union were detained for an entire day on Thursday following a petition against them related to alleged fraud.
“They were released on Friday, but they are to report back to the EFCC on Monday, February 3, 2025,” the source alleged.
When contacted on Sunday evening, Comrade Vembe confirmed that he and the treasurer were questioned by the EFCC and spent a full day and night at the agency’s office.
However, he denied that they were arrested, stating that they were only invited for questioning.
He described the rumour of his alleged arrest as an attempt by his rivals in the NUP chairmanship race to undermine his candidacy and prevent him from participating in the exercise.
“But they should understand that EFCC is not court,” Vembe noted, as he also confirmed that they are scheduled to report back to the EFCC on Monday to submit certain documents.
He further clarified that only he and the treasurer were invited, not the secretary, and that their ‘invitation’ by the EFCC was based on a petition filed against them by his fellow chairmanship contender, Comrade Simon Anchaver.
Vembe complained that while they were informed of the petition, they were not provided with copies.
“They didn’t give us any documents or official communication. They just invited us, and when we got there, they said there was a petition against us,” he said.
Describing the petition as unnecessary, Vembe provided a breakdown of how NUP’s funds are allocated:
“When NUP collects money, 45% goes to the national headquarters, 25% to the local government, 10% to the Nigeria Labour Congress, and 30% to the state.
“So, if you ask me to answer questions about funds concerning the national headquarters, I don’t know how that’s possible. If the money is allocated to the national headquarters, how am I responsible for it?” Vembe queried.
When summed up, National Record observed however that the percentages of the disbursements presented by Comrade Vembe amounted to 110% instead of 100%.
