Paul Odili, Executive Assistant on International Partnerships to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, has been implicated in a contract fraud scandal involving a World Bank-supported project designed to empower women economically in the state.
The initiative, part of the World Bank’s Nigeria for Women Project, was aimed at enhancing the productivity and capacity of women across Nigeria through various components, including targeted training and institutional strengthening. In 2024, Delta State planned to implement its segment of the programme through the Ministry of Economic Planning.
Company Developed Proposal with Government’s Knowledge
Peritum Pro, a consulting firm founded by Theodora Ogharanduku, expressed interest in the capacity-building component of the programme. The company crafted a comprehensive proposal aimed at training members of the Delta State Social Protection Technical Working Group (SPTWG). The proposal included plans to review state social protection policies, build staff capacity, improve transparency, and enhance access to development finance.
The project proposal was submitted with the involvement of senior state officials including Commissioner for Economic Planning Sunny Ekadeyan and Director of Overseas Development Assistance (ODA), Martina Amromanoh. According to Ogharanduku, Odili played a central role in steering the proposal through initial stages, culminating in Governor Oborevwori's approval in December 2024.
Fraudulent Substitution Uncovered
However, shortly after the governor’s approval, Peritum Pro was met with silence from the government. Weeks of inquiries revealed a startling twist: the company had been secretly substituted with another firm allegedly linked to Odili.
Peritum Pro’s legal representative, Obasi Nwabueze, outlined the allegation in a formal letter to Odili, accusing him and Amromanoh of conspiring to unlawfully replace the company in official records after securing gubernatorial approval.
“This act constitutes a clear breach of public procurement regulations and qualifies for investigation by anti-graft bodies like the ICPC and EFCC,” the letter stated. The firm demanded a restitution of ₦30 million for lost earnings and operational expenses, alongside a formal apology.
Initial Denials and Subsequent Payment
Odili, through his lawyer A.J. Atarhieyere, denied wrongdoing. He claimed that he merely introduced Peritum Pro to the ministry as a goodwill gesture and had no control over the final award. The ministry, he argued, had the discretion to select whichever company it deemed fit for the contract.
Yet, behind the scenes, negotiations unfolded. In a partial admission of liability, Odili eventually authorized a payment of ₦10 million to Peritum Pro on April 8—well short of the firm’s demand. Despite accepting the sum, Ogharanduku maintained that a written apology was essential for closure and to uphold the firm’s professional integrity.
“His refusal to apologise speaks volumes. Restitution alone is not enough; he must acknowledge the misconduct,” she said. “This was a deliberate sabotage of our work, and the tactics used to delay us were meant to erase the paper trail.”
Ministry Officials Speak, but Deny Collusion
Martina Amromanoh confirmed that Odili had requested the substitution, adding that while due diligence was initially performed on Peritum Pro, Odili returned later to say he preferred another company. She denied active collusion and suggested internal business disagreements may have been involved.
Commissioner Ekadeyan refrained from offering specifics when contacted but emphasized that Odili was central to the saga. “Your report must be fair. You need to hear directly from him,” he told the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ).
When asked whether the substituted project was ever executed, the commissioner responded ambiguously, stating, “We have over 400 staff. It’s a full organization,” implying he could not confirm the project’s implementation status.
More Revelations and Intimidation Alleged
Peritum Pro’s founder alleged that after initiating legal action, she began receiving threats and pressure to drop the case. “They used that time to ‘clean the house.’ What that means, we don’t know. But they deliberately stalled us,” she said.
Further attempts to reach Odili for comment were unsuccessful, as calls and messages went unanswered. His lawyer, Okolo Hessington, who facilitated the ₦10 million restitution, also did not respond to inquiries.
Pattern of Corruption in Delta’s Cabinet
This is not the first instance of alleged financial misconduct in Governor Oborevwori’s cabinet. In February 2024, Agriculture Commissioner Omoun Perekebena Perez was suspended following financial misconduct allegations involving other ministry officials. Similarly, Favour Obakoro, a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, was suspended in January for allegedly using her position to fraudulently obtain funds from an individual.
Calls for Accountability Mount
Peritum Pro has since petitioned the governor directly, citing fears that some officials may have attempted to suppress the complaint. “We were told the petition would never reach the governor. Some ministry officials were boasting that it had already been killed,” Ogharanduku revealed.
The matter raises serious questions about transparency, abuse of office, and the implementation of due process in state-administered development projects. As the situation continues to unfold, civil society groups and watchdogs are calling for a thorough investigation by anti-corruption agencies.
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