The Nation Newspaper

Tag: $2.1b

  • $2.1b arms deals: Jonathan’s men return cash

    $2.1b arms deals: Jonathan’s men return cash

    Several  former  high-ranking officials in the Jonathan administration have started returning looted funds, it was learnt  last night.

    Besides, they are begging the Federal Government and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to shelve plans to put them on trial.

    Four such ex-top government officials have refunded N1.4billion in the last one week alone, an authoritative source said yesterday.

    This sum does not include the N7billion said to have been paid back to the AVM Jon Ode Committee which investigated about 300 companies and individuals who collected money from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA)  without executing the jobs for which they were paid.

    However, a few others are said to have opted to face trial instead of returning money which they claimed had been spent on  2015 presidential campaign.

    Investigation by our correspondent revealed that some of the beneficiaries of the looted funds have actually paid back  or promised to do so.

    Those affected have been mounting pressure on  the presidency, the EFCC and the

    Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, for soft landing against trial.

    The government is yet to take a position on whether or not those who have returned their loot will be prosecuted.

    A  source  said: “One of those who served under the former President has returned about N750million given to him by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for campaign. He was able to make up because he didn’t spend the cash. He kept it for private use.

    “Some have  paid back more than N650million.

    “A former minister has pledged to refund over N1billion. Another beneficiary of the curious contracts has promised the EFCC to sell a few properties to be able to return about N2.1billion.

    “A former military governor has also refunded the cash advanced to him by ONSA to buy a house.

    “Many of these former public officers and contractors are effecting refunds to avoid being named and shamed.

    “They don’t want trial. Some have volunteered to serve as prosecution witnesses instead of going through the rigours of trial.

    “At the appropriate time, the list of those who have refunded money in one way or the other will be published.”

    Responding to a question, the source added: “The government is preoccupied with the recovery of looted funds. At the appropriate time, the fate of those who have refunded cash will be determined by what the law says.”

    But some of the suspects have refused to return looted funds which they claimed had been disbursed for 2015 poll.

    They said  the cash was given to them on the order of former President Jonathan.

    They also said the funds were privately disbursed to them by the campaign committee and PDP officials without telling them the source(s) of the money.

    Another source said: “Some of those implicated in the collection of some funds have opted for outright trial because they did not benefit while carrying out presidential directives.

    “Some former ministers said the amount credited to them came from private accounts for the 2015 campaign and nobody can accuse them of diverting public funds.”

    About 300 persons and companies were indicted by an investigative committee a week ago.

    The Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, Mallam Garba Shehu, on Thursday  claimed that the ONSA committee had recovered over N7billion from those culpable.

    The indicted companies are to refund another N41 billion.

    But the investigating agencies, including the EFCC, will determine whether another N75 billion should be recovered from some of the companies.

    Shehu said the ONSA committee had found out that one of the indicted companies, Societe D’Equipment International, was overpaid by 7.9 million euros and $7.09 million.

    It noted that many contractors were apparently over paid, while others were given full upfront payments contrary to their contract terms and agreements.

    The panel also uncovered evidence of payments to individuals and companies by ONSA without any contractual agreement or evidence of jobs executed.

    The committee discovered that some companies failed to fulfill their tax obligations for contracts executed.

    Fifteen firms, the panel said, were awarded contracts that require further investigation to ascertain their status. The total value of the contracts in this category was N11, 726,571,161.00, $202,136,890.00 and €4,114,752.96.

    The companies include: “Abrahams Telecommunication Limited and Value Trust Investment Limited – RC 1050628 and RC133792, Bilal Turnkey Contractors Limited RC 616389, Circular Automobile Limited – RC 953549, Continental Project Associates Limited – RC 1201210 and Da’voice Network Solutions Limited RC 658879.

    Others are Foretech Investment Limited – RC 759046, Forts and Sheild Limited – RC 1148793, GDP Associated Limited – RC 830715, Hakimco Automobiles – RC 904389, Hamada Properties and Investment Limited – RC635720, International Resources Management Company RC228657, Investment Options Limited – RC 133484, Jakadiya Picture Company Limited RC 270972, JBE Multimedia Investment Limited – RC 48875, Kamala Motors Limited RC 845545 and Key Information Services Limited RC 297516.

    Also investigated are Leeman Communications Limited RC 499781, MCAF Associates RC 734745, Moortown Global Investment – RC 968416, Syntec Nigeria Limited – RC 220165, Trafiga Limited – RC 1098961, Trim Communications Limited – RC 261180, Securicor Emergency and Safety RC 431246, Sologic Integrated Services Limited RC 744982, Wada Autos Limited RC 1082513, Zukhruf Nigeria Limited RC 306244, 2020 Nigeria Limited RC 1090292 and A and B Associates Limited RC 279980.

    The individuals and companies that received payments without contractual agreements include: Bello Matawalle, Brig-Gen. A.S. Mormoni-Bashir (the former Principal General Staff Officer at the ONSA, who is still  serving), Alhaji Umar Sani, Dr Yakubu Sanky, Baba Bala, Ambassador Clement Layiwola Laseinde (a Director in the ONSA) and an architect from Baitil Atiq Travels and Tours.

    Others are Alhaji Shuaibu Salisu (the former Director of Finance and Administration at (ONSA), Col. Bello Fadile (rtd) (Special Adviser to Lt Col Sambo Dasuki; former NSA), Mr Otunla Jonah Niyi, Otunba Adelakun, Alhaji Bashir Yuguda, Dr Tunji Olagunju, Miss Oluwatoyin Oluwagbayi and Lt Col MS Dasuki (rtd) (the former NSA).

    Also listed are Maipata Mohammed Abubakar, Mohammed Suleiman from Musaco investment and properties, Ibrahim Abdullahi also from Musaco investment and properties, Alhaji Aliyu Usman and 18 other officers that served in the ONSA.

    The companies that failed to execute contracts or did so partially and have been asked to refund various sums are: A and Hatman Limited, Abuja Consulting Limited, Afro-Arab Investment, Agbede A Adeshina and Co, Aleppo Systems Nigeria Limited – RC 947255, Amp Africa Holdings and Solar Services, Apple Drops Nigeria Limited – RC 1102219, Apt Security Limited – RC 165189, Autoforms Integrated Enterprises Limited – RC 1234829, Axis Consulting Services Limited – RC 1151145, Belsha Nigeria Limited, Community Defence Law Foundation – RC/IT No 56854, Complus International Service Limited, Cosse Limited – RC 316214, Daar Investment and Holdings Limited, Dalhatu Investment Limited – RC 404535, Destra Investment Limited and Development Strategies International Limited – RC 361191.

    Others are DFX/White Zebu BDC – RC787658/RC1049919, Duchy Concepts Limited RC392281, Fara Security Limited RC 694607, Fimex Gilt Nigeria Limited  –RC 143150, First Aralac Global Limited RC939512, Fix-HYL Global Investment RC1129654, Good year Properties Limited RC1168828, Image Merchant Promotions Limited RC 416703.

    Interglobal Limited RC 189188, Jos Peace Dialogue Forum CAC/IT/No75434, Kakatar Limited RC 443321, Leaderette Nigeria/Norden Global RC 422129/RC1119925, London Advertising Limited UK BASED, Mithra Oil Limited RC 620979, NigerLink BOG (Under Musaco Investment)

    RC 834592, Iban Global (Under Musaco Investment), Musaco Investment (Bank Charges), Mystrose Limited RC 475579, NAF Holding Company Limited.

    Also listed are: Peach Tree Communications Limited RC 410115, Perception BDC RC 740741, Pioneer Ventures RC 69776, Proptex Nigerian Limited – RC 116801, Prosedec Interglobal Limited RC 619845, Real Property Investment Limited RC 294761, Sinash Communications Limited RC 333134, Skytick International Limited RC 798693, Soject Nigeria Limited – RC 74991 and StellaVera Development Company Limited RC 713258.

    Others who defaulted in their contractual agreements include Teracon AG SWISS BASED, Wehsec Farms Limited – RC 713258, African Cable Television Limited RC 1113903, BCN Nigeria Limited RC 50969, Brains and Hammers RC 655673, Concept Options Ultimate Limited – RC 604167, Elizade Nigeria Limited RC 11544, Emerging Platforms Limited – RC 922205, EMI System Nigeria Limited – RC 248986, Hadassa Investment and Security – RC 709085, Kala Consulting Solutions Limited – RC 98562, Pioneer Ventures, Nan Bizcom Nigeria Limited RC 680708, Nerres Limited RC 1138835, Plectrum Consulting Limited RC 937931, Protech Consultant – RC 301426, Summit Publications Limited RC 304671, Telios Development Limited RC 468351, Urban Abode Nigeria Limited RC 651613, RCN Networks Limited RC 439720, Sail International Limited – RC 97863, Suburban Broadway Limited – RC 469689, Geronimo Middle East and Africa, Julius Berger – RC 6852, Romgat Morgan Nigeria Limited – RC 902020, and Stallion Motors Limited RC 178627.

    Contracts awarded to the following companies are to be further investigated: 2020 Nigeria Limited RC 1090292, Acacia Holdings Limited RC 940978, Africair Incorporated US Company, Augusta Westland Limited, Almond Project Limited, Bam Project and Properties, Bob Oshodin Organisation Limited – RC 790662, Coral Builders Limited – RC 397748, Dan Clington Nigeria Limited – RC 940978, Law Partners and Associates BN/UY/004566, Magnificient 5 ventures Limited BN/2299463, MPS Global Services Limited.

    Others are One plus Holdings Nigeria Limited RC 695999, Quadsix Nigeria Limited – RC 1177968, and Reliance Reference Hospitals.

  • $2.1b arms deals: Panel summons more military officers

    $2.1b arms deals: Panel summons more military officers

    The Special Investigative Panel on Arms Procurement by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has invited more serving and retired military officers.

    The list of the affected officers has been sent to their units, The Nation learnt yesterday.

    It was learnt that some officers holding some position from 2007 till date might be questioned by the panel.

    Besides, some former Service Chiefs have also been invited by the panel, based on some facts and figures before it.

    Some former Service Chiefs might share their experience and compare notes on the procedures in place while in the military.

    A source spoke of “a long list of serving and retired officers” to be invited. “Anyone that had anything to do with procurement in the services was included,” the source, who pleaded not to be named because he is not allowed to talk to the media, said, adding:

    “The list is now with the services which will make the efforts to reach all the officers, especially the retired ones.

    “The interrogation of those invited will soon begin. Many officers were involved in the procurement process in the services and as the panel members go through heaps of files, they discovered that the network of those who mismanaged procurement funds has grown over the years.

    “We are beginning to see that a syndicate had been at work for many years, diverting funds meant for procurement of arms, ammunition and military hardware for the Armed Forces.”

    Asked to be specific on those on the list, the source said: “The appropriate service will release the names of those invited.

    “I can tell you that some former Service Chiefs have been summoned by the panel to explain their roles in arms procurement, based on some facts and figures available to the panel.

    “Some of these Service Chiefs might also share their experience and compare notes on the procedures in place while in the military.

    “The input from some of the ex-Service Chiefs will assist the panel in making its recommendations to guide against such sleaze in the future.”

    A former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh (retd.) is facing trial over $2.1billion arms deals.

    Also, a former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal A.N. Amosu (retd.); ex-National Security Adviser Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.); and Col. N. Ashinze (Special Military Assistant to the ex-NSA are in detention.

    Others to be probed are 22 companies traced to associates and relatives of some of the suspects.

    Some of those affected are the most senior Air Force officer, AVM A. M. Mamu(the Chief of Administration); AVM O.T.Oguntoyinbo (former Director of Production, Defence Headquarters);  AVM R.A. Ojuawo (Air Officer Tactical Air Command, Makurdi;  AVM J.B. Adigun(former Chief of Accounts and Budgeting in NAF); and AVM JA Kayode-Beckley(Director, Armament Research in Air Force Research and Development Centre); AVM T Omenyi (MD, NAF Holdings)four top officers at the Defence Headquarters(DHQ), Air Cdre AO Ogunjobi; Air Cdre GMD Gwani; Air Cdre SO Makinde; and Air Cdre AY Lassa.

    Some of the areas of investigation are as follows:

    • How 10 contracts totaling $930,500,690.00 were awarded
    • Payment of N4, 402,687,569.41 for unexecuted contracts
    • Procurement of two used Mi-24V Helicopters instead of the recommended Mi-35M series at $136,944,000.00.
    • 4 used Alpha-Jets for the NAF at US$7,180,000.00 funded by ONSA
    • Cannibalization of engines from NAF fleet to justify procurement of jets
    • Excessive pricing of 36D6 Low Level Air Defence Radar at $33m instead of $6m per one
    • Delivery of radars without  vital component of Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) that distinguishes between own and adversary aircraft
    • Strange transfer of $2m to Mono Marine Corporation Nigeria Limited owned by some Air Force officers
    • N15bn lavished on the maintenance of its Alpha-Jets, C-130H aircraft and Mi-24V/35P helicopters.
    • N2.5billion contracts awarded to Syrius Technologies( Ukrainian company) not registered in Nigeria
    • Award of 7 contracts worth N599,118,000.00 contracts to Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria(DICON) but two delivered.

  • $2.1b arms cash: Panel invites 241 firms, others

    No fewer than 241 companies, individuals and organisations are to appear before the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA) over contracts awarded by the office between 2011 and 2015. Those who fail to appear risk being embarrassed, the office warned yesterday.

    ONSA, in an advertorial in this newspaper, said the companies and representatives of the organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) must appear before its Contracts’ Verification Committee between January 12 and 26. It issued the directive following these companies’, NGOs’ and individuals’ failure to heed the earlier call on them to report at the committee.

    On the list are aircraft manufacturers, automobile companies and others.

    They are to appear with: certificate of incorporation, particulars of directors, company tax clearance certificates and directors’ from 2011 to date, letter of award of contracts, evidence of payment so far, outstanding balance and any other documents considered relevant to the contract, such as certified bank statements.

    Thirty companies are expected by ONSA Contract Verification Committee on January 12. They are: 2020 Nigeria Limited, 313 BDC Limited, A & Hatman Limited, A A Master Nigeria Limited, A and B Associate, Abbatare Inc., Abraham Telecommunication Limited, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, Abusarhard Nigeria Limited, Acacia Holdings Limited, Ace of Wood Working Nigeria Limited and Africair Inc. Also on the list of those expected on January 12 are: Afro-Arab Investment Limited, Agabea Securities Limited, Agbede A. Adesina and Co, AGI Nigeria Limited, Ahjuwa Nigeria Enterprises, Air USA, AI Noor Travels and Tours, Albani Associates, Allaje Motors Limited,  Almond Project Limited,  AMAC Aerospace,  APC Axial, Appledrop Nigeria Limited,  Apt Securities Limited, AR Security Solution Limited, Arewa House,  ASECNA and Associate Air Centre.

    The ONSA committee will interact with 30 companies, individuals and organisations on January 13.

    They are:  Atlas Capital Sa, Autoforms Integrated Enterprises Limited, Autopoietic Telemetric Solutions Limited, Aviation Techni GMBH, Bam Project and Projecties,  Baron Limited, Bell Pottinger LLP, and Belley Corporation.

    Also expected on that day are:  Belsha Nigeria Limited, Bergons Security Consulting & Supply Limited, Bilal Turnkey Contractors Limited, Biodun & Adekunle Idiagbon, Bluenory Limited, Bob Oshodin Org,Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Brains & Hammers Limited, Bureau Securitas Limited,  CAE Flight Training LLC and Cardiff Properties Limited.

    Others are:  Centre Etiquette Protocal and Social Graces Limited, Centre for Regional Integration and Development, Cert Protection Agency, Circular Automobile Limited, CLD Global Concepts Limited, Clems Eze & Co, Codan Limited, Community Defence Law Foundation, Complus International Service Limited, Conella Services Limited and Coordinating Committee of Traditional Rulers.

    To appear before the committee on January 14 are:  Core Comm Association of Traditional Rulers, Corart Ventures Limited, Crack Security Service Limited, Crenfact Ventures Limited, Cresco Limited, Damaris Mode Coulture Limited,  Dar’Alsalam Travels & Tours,  Dassault Falcon Service,  Da’Voice Bnetwork Solution Limited,  Debanto Consulting Co. Limited,  Development Strategy International Limited,  Dezign Zentrum Limited and DEX BDC.

    Others are: Digital Inspiration Limited,  DM Communication Limited, Donpedro Medical Company Limited, Eastwise Trading, E-Force Interservice Limited,  Eivor Media Nigeria Limited,  Enviromental Engineering and Construction Limited,  Enviromental One Global Enterprise  and Enviromental, Engineering Construction Limited.

    Also for January 14 are companies, such as:  Eric Ventures Limited, Fara Security Limited,Fimex Gilt Limited,First Aralac Global Limited, Fiz-Hyl Global Investment Limited, Fleetmeig HT W/A Limited, FlightSafety International and Foretech Investment Limited.

    The committee is expecting also another 30 companies and NGOs on January 19. They are: Forts and Shields Limited, Forum for Protection of CNI, Forum for Protection of Critical National Infrastructure, GC Electronic Limited,  GDP Associate Limited,  General Hydrocarbons Limited, Geonel Integrated Service Limited,  Gerhard Rothhaupt, Geronimo Middle East & African Limited,  Geronimo System Limited,   GEW Technologies Limited,  Girl Child Concern,  Glenair Training Centre Limited, England,  Global Industrial and Defence Solution – Pakistan,  Global Structures,  Gold Reff Industries Nigeria Limited,

    Goodyear Properties Limited and Gracepeace Ventures Nigeria Limited.

    Others on the January 19 list are:  GTESC Limited,  Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation,  Halal Palace Ventures, Hamada Properties and Investment Co. Ltd, Hawker Beechcraft Corporation, Heintzmann Sicherheitssysteme GmbH, Helpline Organisation,  Hypertech (MR) Limited,  IB Casa, Image Axis Limited,  Imperial College Healthcare and Integrated Navigation Systems.

    The committee will also verify the contracts of 30 compnies and orgamisations on January 20. They are:  International Res. Management Limited,  International Resources Management Co. Ltd,  Investment Option Limited,  ITSI-Bioscience, LLC, Jabbama Ada Global Nigeria Limited,  Jakadiya Picture Company,  Jawaz Multipurpose Ventures Limited,  JBE Multimedia Investment Limited and Jnzizi Investment Co. Limited.

    Others are:  Kadawa Agro Products Limited, Kamala Motors Limited,  Kampus Suites Limited,  Kane Int. Limited,  Key Information Service Limited, Kitwood Nigeria Limited,  Kola Adejide & Associate,  Konet Limited,  La Kreem International Limited  and Laconso Global Gotechniks Limited.

    The list also includes:  Lambstar Limited, Law Partner and Associates, Lazer Detct System 2010 Limited, Leaderette Nigeria Limited,  Leeman Communication Limited,  Lislie Tading Limited,  Little Italy Global Service Limited,  London Advertising Limited,  Loure Global Service Limited,  Maimakani Nigeria Limited and Makfab General Enterprises Nigeria Limited.

    On January 21, the committee is expecting   Manara Development Project Limited,  Map Telecommunication Limited,  Marshall Aviation Service Ltd,  Max Air,  MCAF Associates,  Mithra – Oil Limited,  Moortown Global Investment,  MPS Global Services Limited,  Murtala Mohammed Foundation, Musim Venture Company Limited,  Muteedah  Travels & Tours Limited and Muzaq Investment Limited.

    Also listed for January 21 are:   Mystrose Limited, NARICT, National Agency for Computer Security of Tunisia, Nerris Limited,  NIALS Research Fund,  Nigeria Guild Editors (NGE), Nigeria in Safe Hands,  Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Norden Global Resources Limited, Numora Multi-Trade,  O O Osuntokun and Co,  Obasa Specialty Vehicles, ODELL International LLC, OnePlus Holding Ltd,  Onile Nigeria Limited,  Ornyx Properties Limited,  Patton Boggs LLP and Peoples & Passion Consult Limited.

    On the list of those to appear before the committee on  January 25 are: PHK International Co. Ltd, Pickel Holdingd and Investment LTD, Pioneer Ventures Limited, Pratt and Whitney, Canada, Pro-Avionics Limited, Proptex Nigeria Limited, Prosedec Inter Global Limited, Proton Security Service Limited, Quarter One Consulting Limited and Rajco Int. Ltd.

    Others are: RECN Networks Limited, Real Property Investment Limited, Reliance Reference Hospital, Ripples Ventures Limited, Rolls Royce NA, Romix Technologies Limited, Rothhaupt GMGH, Safety Technologies Limited, Sanisah Communication Limited, Sanmilak Nigeria Limited, Sartoria Ventures, Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development, Seal Cahmbers, Scientel Limited, Secureforces Logistics Limited, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, Silk Resources Limited, SK Sawki, Sky Expert Nigeria Limited and Slyvan McNamara Limited.

    On the list of those to appear before the committee on January 26 are: Societe D’Equipment Internationaux, Soject Nigeria Limited, Southerland Associates Limited, ST Aerospace Solutions, Denmark, Starbriid Limited, Starr Concrete Blocks & Properties Limited, Starepoint Integrated Service Limited, Stellavera De. Co. Limited, Tag Aviation S.A., TechDecision Limited, The Honda Place Limited, Tianjin Tianrong International Dev. Limited and Tosins and Co Limited.

    Others are: Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, Trafiga Limited, Transgurara Nig. Ltd, Trim Communication Nigeria Limited, Tripple Kay Company Nigeria Limited, UCBK Motors, Value Trust Investment, Vibrant Resources Limited, VIG Limited, Wakaso Research and Consultancy Limited, WEHSEC Farms Limited, West Autos Solutions Enterprise, Westan Group Associates Limited, Westwood Motors Limited, White Zebu BDC, Wonder  Wheels Automobile Limited, Zamzam Option Limited and Zukhruf Nigeria Limited.

    The ONSA also expects companies that have done contracts with the office but are not on the list to appear before its committee between 12 and 26.

    The ONSA added that “the general public is pleased to note that companies or organisations that have received payments from ONSA between 2011 to 2015 which have not appeared before the committee and their names are not reflected in the list above, should please endeavour to appear before the committee anytime within the stated period at the office of the National Security Adviser’s Complex, 3 Arms Zone, Abuja”.

  • $2.1b deals: EFCC won’t spare implicated Bureaux de Change operators, says Magu

    The acting Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu, has promised not to spare any Bureau De Change operator involved in ongoing $2.1billion arms deals.

    He urged the operators to have a documentation of their members to enable anti-graft agencies track down the fraudulent ones.

    Magu spoke when the leaders of Bureau De Change operators paid him courtesy visit in Abuja.

    A statement by the Head, Media and Publicity, EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, quoted  Magu as saying:  “My operatives often tell me what they see during investigations. We need to talk to you, as some of your operators are fond of carrying huge amounts of money out of the country, since they can no longer withdraw more than $300 using the ATM.

    ‘‘There are fraudulent involvements of Bureau De Change operators in the arms deal scandal.

    “ There are reports of some of your members withdrawing as much as N500million in two, three, four tranches in this arms deal scam. So, I am greatly disturbed. I think there should be a documentation regarding your activities, as this will enable your group to checkmate anyone who is involved in any fraudulent activity.”

    Earlier, the Chairman of Bureau De Change operators, Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe, expressed the resolve of the group to join hands with the Commission in the ongoing war against corruption and economic crimes.

    Gwadabe said the delegation was in the Commission to congratulate Magu and seek collaboration with the EFCC.

    He said: “I want to congratulate you on your appointment as acting Chairman of EFCC and pray for God’s guidance, most especially as it is a period of tough choices and decisions.”

    He also spoke on some major challenges which the Bureau De Change operators were facing from policy regulators and security agencies.