An insider has revealed an alleged plot involving Toyin Subair, the Special Assistant on Special Duties and Domestic Affairs to President Bola Tinubu, and Charles Ebuebu, the Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). The pair is reportedly conspiring to divert the N10 billion Digital Switch Over (DSO) grant, which is currently domiciled in the NBC’s account, to a private account with plans to misappropriate the funds.
The N10 billion grant, approved by President Tinubu in August 2024 to accelerate the country’s transition to digital broadcasting, has become a significant target for corruption. Sources claim Subair, who previously served as the Executive Chairman of Digital Play Limited, has been closely involved in the affairs of the NBC since his appointment as a presidential aide. Subair allegedly nominated Ebuebu for the top NBC position and has been exerting influence over the operations of the agency, including the management of its finances.
Recent reports have raised alarms about the NBC’s financial mismanagement. In a troubling incident, Ebuebu is said to have withdrawn N30 million from the NBC account, purportedly for his house rent in Abuja, further fueling concerns about the agency’s fiscal integrity. Insiders have expressed growing concern about the continuous abuse of the NBC account for personal gain.
The relationship between Subair and Ebuebu is well-established, with the two having been long-time associates. Notably, Subair was once placed on the Interpol’s wanted list over fraud allegations, and in 2018, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) accused former Information Minister Lai Mohammed and the then NBC Director General Modibbo Kawu of embezzling N2.5 billion from an earlier Digital Switch Over fund.
As the plot thickens, questions are being raised about the integrity of the Digital Switch Over project and whether the N10 billion grant, intended for national progress, will be diverted for personal enrichment.
