Ebonyi Government Orders Arrest of Contractors Over Ring Road Fraud
By Ugo Ewa
The Ebonyi State Government has launched a sweeping crackdown on alleged fraud and gross negligence in the ongoing multi-billion-naira Ring Road project, ordering the arrest of several contractors, consultants, and members of the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU).
The directive was issued by the Chairman of the Ring Road Steering Committee and Commissioner for Works, Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam, during a high-level project appraisal meeting held on Friday. Mbam expressed deep concern over what he described as “fraudulent and nonchalant attitudes” displayed by some contractors, warning that such actions amount to deliberate sabotage of the state’s development agenda.
According to Mbam, the affected contractors had failed to return to their project sites despite receiving substantial mobilization funds. He noted that Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru had, on multiple occasions, directed that all mobilized contractors immediately resume work and ensure the efficient use of public resources.
The Commissioner disclosed that during a recent review session involving the Governor, project stakeholders, and SPIU officials, widespread dissatisfaction was expressed over the slow pace of work. However, the Steering Committee’s latest assessment revealed a continued lack of compliance, uncovering what it described as a coordinated conspiracy to defraud the state.
The committee’s findings exposed a disturbing pattern of project abandonment, deliberate delays, financial misappropriation, and the issuance of inflated or unauthorized payments. It was further revealed that some consultants had been issuing project certificates—roles statutorily reserved for civil service engineers—raising serious questions about accountability and oversight.
Mbam criticized the substitution of certified civil engineers with private consultants in issuing project certifications, describing it as a breach of due process that compromises the integrity of the entire initiative.
“The role of project engineer is a statutory duty of government-employed professionals who are accountable for service delivery,” he said. “Outsourcing such critical responsibilities opens the door to abuse and undermines the credibility of the project.”
He issued a stern warning to all contractors and consultants who may have received unauthorized payments, urging them to refund such monies immediately or face legal prosecution.
“There will be no sacred cows,” Mbam asserted. “This administration is committed to cleansing the system and ensuring that the Ring Road project is delivered according to standard and within schedule.”
As part of the sweeping measures, representatives of several defaulting firms—including Kakatar CE Limited and Marco Kings Engineering Limited—as well as certain consultants and SPIU officials, have been handed over to the police. Authorities say they are currently assisting in investigations into the alleged financial irregularities and conspiracy.
The Ring Road project, considered one of the largest infrastructural undertakings in Ebonyi State’s history, is designed to connect several local government areas and enhance trade, mobility, and rural development. The state government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the project is not derailed by corruption or poor execution.
“This project is too important to be sabotaged by a few unscrupulous individuals,” Mbam concluded. “The people of Ebonyi deserve nothing less than full transparency and quality delivery.”
