Senate President Godswill Akpabio has ordered the immediate closure of the NNPC liaison office inside the National Assembly complex, citing the need for “official use” by Assembly management.

However, sources say the real reason is linked to allegations of racketeering involving the liaison officer, Umar Farouk, who is accused of diverting funds meant for lawmakers. The funds were allegedly secret payments from NNPC to key National Assembly figures, routed through Mr Farouk who reportedly stopped delivering the money in recent months.

A letter signed by Assembly official Bala Ibrahim asked the NNPC officer to vacate the office and hand over keys and property. It warned of further action if ignored.

The EFCC has not confirmed if it will probe the issue, and both the NNPC and National Assembly spokespeople have declined to comment on what they describe as a non-legal arrangement.