SSS Spokeswoman, Marilyn Ogar, Should be Investigated for N15million Bribe

The Civil Society Network Against Corruption (CSNAC) has called on the EFCC to commence an extensive investigation into an allegation against the spokesperson of the SSS, Marilyn Ogar, over an allegation that was published by Premium Times that she accepted a N15million bribe from government officials in connection with last year’s governorship election in Osun State.

In a petition signed by its chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, CSNAC said it also last year sent a similar request to ICPC to investigate the bribery allegation against Ms. Ogar without any action from that agency.

Below are details of the latest investigation:

CSNAC said - Ms. Ogar was treated to a special offer by the Nigerian government by been referred to the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, PPMC, a subsidiary of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, in charge of marketing and distribution of petroleum products.

- She and the Managing Director of PPMC, Haruna Momoh, purportedly met, and a deal was struck between the first and second week in June, 2014. 

- Ten trucks of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) were directly allocated to Ms. Ogar by PPMC. 

- Mr. Momoh allegedly advised Ms. Ogar that the allocations be channelled through known fuel independent marketers who were to receive the allocation, sell them and deliver cash to Ms. Ogar.

- Ms. Ogar went with the suggestion and the act was carried out accordingly. 

- PPMC selected three marketers to deliver four, three and three trucks apiece on her behalf. Thereafter, she was introduced to the three marketers and they agreed that N1.5 million for each of the truck of DPK be made as payment to her. 

- Therefore, Ms. Ogar received N15million for doing nothing beyond meeting the PPMC boss as directed by higher authorities. 

“This contradicts the statement made by Ms. Ogar in August, 2014 around the period of Osun elections. She claimed SSS officials are above bribe as the service is well funded and it provides a competitive reward package for its personnel, even before assignments,” the petition said. “So, if that were true, what is her connection with sales PPMC and DPK?”

CSNAC further noted the claim by Premium Times that in order to cover up the deal, Ms. Ogar and the PPMC chose not to issue routine documents for the transaction and conducted most of the deal via telephone calls and text messages but that the June allocation was neither the first nor the last for Ms. Ogar.

It urged EFCC to investigate Ms. Ogar and all government officials involved and prosecute them.