UDISAM Transport Company Petitions IGP, Others Over Alleged Advance Fee Fraud By Ebonyi Ex-Commissioner

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎A transport operator in Ebonyi State, UDISAM Mass Transit Company, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies over alleged advance fee fraud, criminal intimidation, and threats to life involving a former state government official and his associates. ‎ ‎In petitions dated April 3 and April 22, 2026, and addressed through the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and legal representatives, the company’s Director, Comrade James Igwe, accused a former Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Celestine Nwali, alongside several others, of fraudulently obtaining money under false pretence. ‎ ‎According to the petitions, the transport company had earlier secured approval and paid required fees to the Ebonyi State Government for a loading bay at the Central Motor Park, Abakaliki, under the previous administration. ‎ However, at the start of the current administration, the former commissioner allegedly approached the company, claiming authority over motor park operations and directed that payments be made through him and his agents. ‎ ‎The company stated that it subsequently paid N400,000 to individuals introduced as representatives of the former commissioner, believing the payment to be legitimate. ‎ ‎Trouble reportedly began when the company discovered inconsistencies surrounding the payment, after which the accused persons allegedly mobilized suspected hoodlums to disrupt its operations, obstruct business activities, and issue threats of violence. ‎ ‎The petitions further alleged that the individuals, some reportedly dressed in military uniforms, engaged in acts of intimidation, besieged the company’s premises, and posed a serious threat to the lives of the director, staff, and workers. ‎ ‎The complainant is urging security agencies to investigate the matter, bring those responsible to justice, and ensure the protection of lives and property, warning that the situation could lead to a breach of peace if not urgently addressed. ‎ ‎Contacting the accused former Commissioner, Hon. Nwali on phone, he explained that he was in a meeting and does not have time to say anything on the allegations. ‎ ‎Also conctacted, Mr. Toochukwu Nwali whose account number has been used in receiving the money on behalf of the former Commissioner, he acknowleged having issue with the company's director identified by him as Mr.Samanja, but said that he is at Ikwo Local Government Area as of the time of filing this report has not respobded after several attempt to brief the press.