The Plateau State Police Command has summoned 49 staff members of the National Metallurgical Development Centre (NMDC), Jos, for questioning following a petition alleging threats to life and destruction of government property.
According to a letter of invitation sighted by SaharaReporters, the affected workers are expected to appear before the Deputy Commissioner of Police at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Jos, on September 25, 2025.
“This department received a petition of a threat to life and destruction of government properties at NMDC Jos. It is very imperative to wade into the matter for mediation,” the letter read, adding that the cooperation of the staff was required for a “fact-finding mission.”
The development comes just weeks after two NMDC employees, Abdullahi Yaro Zakariyya and Abbey J. Ameh, both of the Engineering Services Department, were issued queries by the agency’s management for allegedly publicising and sharing official documents that later formed the basis of a corruption investigation published by Daily Nigerian.
The queries, signed by Michael S. Sesere on behalf of the Director-General, accused the staff of breaching Public Service Rules by disclosing official information. They were directed to provide written explanations within 24 hours or risk disciplinary action.
The Daily Nigerian exposé, published earlier this year, alleged massive procurement irregularities at NMDC, including the approval of ₦148.5 million by the Director-General, Professor Linus Asuquo, for the purchase of an X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer in March 2019 an amount allegedly above his approval limit under the Public Procurement Act, 2007.
The report further claimed that through repeated and questionable awards of contracts to MIS Software Nigeria Limited, the procurement process was manipulated to siphon over ₦329 million. It also alleged that contract award letters and job completion certificates were issued in violation of procurement laws, with inconsistencies such as dates predating contract approvals and unspecified equipment models.
Sources within the agency told SaharaReporters that the two queried staff members were being victimised for simply sharing the published report on the agency’s WhatsApp platform, prompting suspicions of a clampdown on whistleblowers.
The police invitation has now heightened concerns among employees and civil society observers, with fears that the move could intimidate staff and undermine accountability in public institutions.
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