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Tag: arms deal

  • Tight security for $2.1b arms deal panel members

    Tight security for $2.1b arms deal panel members

    Security is to be tightened around members of the Special Investigative Panel on Arms Procurement, The Nation learnt yesterday.

    The presidential directive was said to have followed the suspicious death of a member, Rear Admiral T.D. Ikoli, and threat to others.

    The panel, which has wound up its operation temporarily, was probing the $2.1 billion arms procurement from 2007 to 2015.

    It had investigated the purchase of arms in the Army and the Air Force. The review of arms procurement in the Navy was outstanding at the time of Rear Admiral Ikoli’s death.

    Three of the members of the panel are believed to have had a close shave with death.

    Rear Admiral Ikoli died in what the panel described as “suspicious circumstances” on April 5 in Lagos.

    About one week before his death, Rear Admiral ikoli’s dog was killed, also in suspicious circumstances, it was learnt.

    Panel Chairman  Air Vice Marshal JON Ode narrowly escaped being ambushed by a 12-man gang in two separate vehicles. The wife of another member (a retired Major-General) narrowly escaped being abducted.

    It was learnt that after the developments, the panel opened discussions with President Muhammadu Buhari. Besides, it wrote a letter to Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on the danger its members were being exposed to.

    Prior to the alarm raised by the members of the panel, none of them had security presence in their homes.

    A source, who spoke in confidence with our correspondent, said: “Right from the start of the probe, JON Ode Panel members were being threatened but they defied the intimidation to complete their assignments

    “Some of those involved in the $2.1b arms scandal were associates, colleagues, junior officers and students of members of the panel. But they refused to be swayed by personal ties in doing their job.

    “But there had been obvious security threats against the panel members by some of those implicated and their fronts.

    “Ikoli’s death shattered panel members who did not bother initially to ask for protection.”

    The source said the aborted attacks against the chairman of the panel, AVM JON Ode and the wife of another member made the team to make representations to the Presidency.”

    Iit was gathered that the government directed that police and military security be provided in the homes of the members.

    Those who want escorts have also been given.

    Another source added: “The Presidency has directed that adequate security measures be put in place for AVM JON Ode members’ panel following intelligence reports on threats to their lives.

    “The government also took the steps in view of the way corruption is fighting back and the high-level risk taken by members of the panel against their colleagues and course mates.

    “We now have some level of police and military presence in the homes of the members of the panel. I will not go into details on this.”

    Also yesterday, it was learnt that members of the panel did not receive sitting allowance.

    The government spent over N200million (not up to N300million) on the committee instead of the N600million being bandied.

    A document revealed that the cash was expended only on accommodation, transportation, breakfast and lunch for members.

    A source said: “The panel members did a selfless service.  They were not given official vehicles. Some members attended sittings by taxi-cab. One of them had a rickety car which could not withstand rains.

    “Even when requests were made for official vehicles, none was made available.

    “But some mischievous elements have launched propaganda against the committee by alleging that it spent N600million. The good thing is that members signed for what was expended on them. The records are there.”

    Members of the investigative committee  include AVM J.O.N. Ode (rtd.) –Chairman; R/Adm J.A. Aikhomu (rtd.) ; R/Adm E. Ogbor (rtd.) ; Brig Gen L. Adekagun (rtd.); Brig Gen M. Aminu-Kano (rtd.) ; and Brig Gen N. Rimtip (rtd.) .

    Others are: Rear Admiral T.D. Ikoli ; Air Cdre U. Mohammed (rtd.); Air Cdre I. Shafi’I;  Col A.A. Ariyibi ; Gp Capt C.A. Oriaku (rtd.); Mr. Ibrahim Magu (EFCC); and Brig Gen Y.I. Shalangwa – Secretary.

    Some of the areas of investigation are:

    • How 10 contracts totalling $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.
    • Purchase of four used Alpha-Jets for the NAF at US$7,180,000.00 funded by ONSA
    • Cannibalisation 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 Alpha-Jets, C-130H aircraft and Mi-24V/35P helicopters.
    • N2.5billion contracts awarded to Syrius Technologies (an Ukrainian company) not registered in Nigeria
    • Award of seven contracts worth N599,118,000.00 to Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria (DICON); two were delivered.
  • Arms deal: Court to rule on Mohammed’s permission to travel abroad Feb 28

    Arms deal: Court to rule on Mohammed’s permission to travel abroad Feb 28

    The Federal High Court, Abuja, will on Feb. 28 rule on the application of retired Air Commodore Umar Mohammed’s permission to travel abroad for medical treatment.

    Justice John Tsoho fixed the date following an appeal from Mr Hassan Liman (SAN), counsel to Mohammed, that he needed more time to provide the court with relevant documents to back his application.

    Liman told the court that he came ready to move the application but was confronted with a counter affidavit by the prosecution “vehemently” opposing his application.

    He said the reason that the prosecution gave was that the ailment for which Mohammed was seeking to travel abroad was treatable in Nigeria.

    He said: “In the light of this, we need to file a further affidavit because the defendant got a review of his health condition at the National Hospital, Abuja, but it is not before the court.

    “We crave your indulgence for a short adjournment to enable us present all the necessary material in regards to our application before the court so that my lord can take a decision on the matter.”

    The prosecuting counsel, Mr Shuaibu Labaran, said that ordinarily, the prosecution would not object to the application since granting such an application was at the discretion of the court.

    “We only did it to guide the court to take some precautionary steps in granting such an application”, he said.

    He said he had no objection to the application for an adjournment to enable the defence produce the necessary documents in court.

    Mohammed had on Feb. 14 approached the court with an application seeking permission to travel abroad for medical treatment.

    He told the court that he was suffering from the consequences of a plane crash he was involved in while still in service as an officer.

    He, however, added that the request to travel abroad was not a ploy to delay the trial.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mohammed, is a retired Air Force officer and a former member, presidential team investigating the arms deal in the country.

    The Department of State Services (DSS) had in July 2016, arraigned him over allegations of money laundering, possession of fire arms and violation of Official Secret Act.

    The subject matter of the charge was principally the sum of $1.3 million about N400 million.

  • $2.1b arms deal: EFCC traces N4.7b curious transfer to ex-minister Obanikoro’s sons’ account

    $2.1b arms deal: EFCC traces N4.7b curious transfer to ex-minister Obanikoro’s sons’ account

    • Ex-Accountant-General in trouble over N1.450bn remitted into four companies by ONSA

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has uncovered about N4.745 billion curious transfers made into the account of two sons of a former Minister of Defence, Mr. Musiliu Obanikoro.

    The sons are Babajide and Gbolahan, who are both directors of the company used in siphoning the funds.

    The suspicious funds were said to have been paid into the account of the ex-minister’s children by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

    There were strong indications that the funds were used to prosecute the governorship polls for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti and Osun states.

    Obanikoro, who is already holed up in the United States, was central to the coordination of the governorship poll in Ekiti and Osun states, including alleged abuse of deployment of troops.

    It was also learnt that a former Accountant-General is also on the radar of the EFCC, being one of the beneficiaries of another set of slush funds used for PDP’s campaign in the South-West.

    All the slush funds were drawn from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

    Reliable sources in the anti-graft agency, who spoke in confidence, said the N4.8 billion was paid in tranches.

    One of the sources said: “Two sons of former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, Babajide and Gbolahan, are currently on the radar of the EFCC. About N4,745,000,000.00 was traced to a company, Sylvan McNamara Limited, in which they have interest.

    “The money was allegedly paid in several tranches into the company’s account number: 0026223714 with Diamond Bank from the Office of the National Security Adviser account with the CBN.”

    According to another source, “all the transfers were done between June and December 2014, a period that coincided with the preparation for and conduct of the Ekiti state gubernatorial election which ushered in the current administration of Governor Ayodele Fayose.

    “For instance, N200 million was transferred into Sylvan Mc Namara’s account on June 5, 2015, while N2 billion was also wired into the account from the CBN/Imprest Main account on June 16, 2016.

    “Another transfer of N700 million hit the account on July 7, 2014, while N1 billion was credited to the account on July 30, 2014.

    “Other transfers included N160 million on August 8, 2014; N225 million on August 22, 2014; N200 million on November 14, 2014 and N200 million on December 5, 2014.

    “Both Gbolahan and Babajide Obanikoro, directors of the company, were also signatories to its account until 2014 when one Olalekan Ogunseye was made sole signatory to the account.

    “The payments to the company from the office of the National Security Adviser were made without any contract.”

    Responding to a question, the first source added: “Some of the funds traced to Obanikoro’s son’s account were meant for procurement of arms.

    “We are making necessary contact with the son of the ex-minister for appropriate interaction with our operatives.

    “We hope he will get in touch as required or else we may invoke necessary legal procedures to make him to account for these curious payments.”

    Meanwhile, a former Accountant-General was said to be under surveillance of the EFCC for allegedly receiving about N1.450nbillion from ONSA.

    Investigation confirmed that the ex-AG made four accounts available to ONSA where the N1.450 billion was remitted into.

    The affected companies and the breakdown of the cash were as follows: Stellavera Development Company (N300 million); First Aralac Global Limited (N300 million); First Aralac Global Limited (N100 million); Damaris Mode (N300 million); Stellavera Development Company (N200 million); Whese Farms Ltd (N250 million).

    A source said: “These funds paid to the four companies had nothing to do with any project. Findings revealed that the remittances might be for political purposes.

    “Already, a Staff Officer in ONSA in charge of the remittances has made a useful statement to the EFCC.

    “The former AG is already placed on surveillance pending the conclusion of preliminary investigation. We will soon invite the ex-public officer for interaction.”

  • $2.1bn arms deal: Jonathan right to keep mum for now —Ango Abdullahi, Coomassie, SANs

    Former Presidential Special Adviser, Professor Ango Abdulahi, former Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Coomassie, two Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) – Chief Ladi Williams and Chief Niyi Akintola – say former President Goodluck Jonathan is right to be silent for now on the $2.1billion arms scandal .

    A number of  top government officials and  military officers who served under Jonathan have been indicted for swindling the nation of billions of naira originally earmarked to buy arms for the armed forces in the fight against terror sect, Boko Haram.

    The funds were allegedly disbursed by the former President’s National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd),  who said he acted under instruction from Jonathan who said during the week in Geneva, Switzerland that he could not comment on the issue for now since some of the suspects have been charged to court.

    Reacting, Professor Abdullahi, who spoke to Saturday Nation in a telephone interview, said since the EFCC had told the world that there is no documented evidence linking President Jonathan with the diversion of the $2.1bn, he (Jonathan) should be left out of the scandal.

    He said: “My recollection of that aspect of the present issue  is that the investigating body, that is, EFCC, has told the public that, as of now, they have not seen any documented evidence that links the former President to the expenditure which was intended for arms purchase, but which was allegedly diverted to other issues. All the documents they said they got are approvals which they said he gave specifically for money intended for purchase of arms for our military.

    “They said there is nothing that has connected the former President to expenditure that has appeared to be a diversion from what the money he approved was intended for. That is what they said and that is why I will advise that since the EFCC has not found any document connecting him (Jonathan) to expenditure of the $2.1bn, he should be left alone. Why should he talk?

    “I am not his spokesman, but I am saying, logically that, all these investigations on Sambo Dasuki and all those that are so far connected to the issue have been mentioned specifically by EFCC, so, maybe at a later stage, EFCC will have evidence to say that the former President is involved, but until then, he should be left alone.” Professor Ango said.

    Alhaji Ibrahim  Coomasie who is  the Chairman,Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF),   in his own reaction  said Jonathan’s decision to remain silent  “should be respected by the EFCC. But, at appropriate time, when it becomes necessary, they will contact him. So, it is not wrong for him to say he will not talk until the right time.

    “So, EFCC should give him (Jonathan) time to put his own evidence together. This is what I advise, but I know, somehow the authority investigating will get to him. So, let us fold our arms and watch the development.

    “Former President Goodluck Jonathan has the right to remain silent for now, until he is called upon by the appropriate authority.”

    Chief Ladi Williams (SAN) said: “ It was clever of the former President to have refrained from  making comments on the issue. Whatever he says would be prejudicial. Whoever advised him against it did the right thing. Aside from being prejudicial, whatever he says at the moment has the tendency of heating up the polity.”

    He, however, noted that the former President is not immune from being investigated if there are reasons for such to be done.

    “The EFCC can invite him for a chat if it has sufficient reasons to do that. They can subpoena and put him in the witness box to be a witness if there is need for that as well. In  fact, he can be prosecuted if there is substantial evidence against him.”

    Chief Niyi Akintola also applauded the former President for the decision to keep quiet on the arms scandal. He, however, took exception to his invitation by the EFCC.

    “Whatever the former president says would have great implication on the polity. If they have anything against him, they can confront him but we should respect the office he held before. Nothing stops the EFCC from inviting him but I will not advise that they do that. There is more to the matter than meets the eyes.

    “Mr President should borrow a leave from former military head of state, General Ibrahim Babangida, who took on his enemies one at a time.”

    In the same vein, the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) commended Jonathan for eschewing to make comments on the scandal, urging the EFCC to fish out more culprits in the  scam.

    The president of  the group, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said: “The former president took a wise decision by choosing not to make any comment on the issue because it is still in court. That shows that he has deep respect for the judiciary.  Aside from his respect for the judiciary, the decision from our point of view is also  in the best interest of the country as whatever comment he makes on the issue is capable of aggravating the polity.

    “We, therefore, urge President Buhari and the EFCC to respect the former president’s decision and ignore pressures from every quarter to bring him into the ongoing probe. We appreciate and support President Buhari’s anti-corruption war and want to urge him and the EFCC to stop at nothing in fishing out other culprits in the scam. All those that were given a certain period of time to respond to the charges against them should be made to return to the courts to give their sides of the story.

  • Arms deal: Tension as Buhari orders probe of ex-CDS Badeh, two Air Chiefs, 15 others

    Arms deal: Tension as Buhari orders probe of ex-CDS Badeh, two Air Chiefs, 15 others

    President Muhammadu Buhari  yesterday gave the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) the green light to establish the scope of the culpability of the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Chief Marshal Alex Sabundu Badeh, former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Mohammed Dikko Umar (2010 -2012) and the immediate past Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Nunayon Amosu,in alleged fraudulent arms purchases for the Air Force between 2007 and 2015.

    Also lined up for investigation by the anti-graft agency are 14 other retired and serving  military officers and 21 firms said to have been awarded the contracts.

    The companies have been traced to associates and relatives of some of the suspects.

    A  committee   on the audit of defence equipment has confirmed that Nigeria spent about $2billion and another N29billion on NAF procurement alone during the period in question.

    Indicted persons  may be prosecuted after the EFCC probe.

    Malam Garba Shehu,Senior Special Assistant  (Media and Publicity) to the President, gave the names of those to be investigated as:

    (1) Air Chief Marshal A.S.  Badeh (Rtd)

    (2) Air Marshal  M.D.  Umar   (Rtd)

    (3) Air Marshal  A.N.  Amosu (Rtd)

    (4)  Maj-Gen.  E.R.  Chioba (Rtd), former Director General, Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria (DICON)

    (5) AVM   I.A.  Balogun (Rtd)

    (6) AVM  A.G.  Tsakr   (Rtd)

    (7) AVM   A.G.  Idowu (Rtd)

    (8) AVM  A.M.  Mamu (NAF  Chief of Administration)

    (9) AVM  O.T.  Oguntoyinbo (former Director of Production, Defence Headquarters)

    (10) AVM  T.  Omenyi (MD, NAF Holdings)

    (11) AVM  J.B.  Adigun (former  Chief of Accounts and Budgeting)

    (12) AVM   R.A.  Ojuawo (Air Force Tactical Air Command, Makurdi)

    (13) AVM   J.A.  Kayode-Beckley (Director, Armament Research in Air Force  Research and Development Centre)

    (12) Air Cdre  S.A.  Yushau (Rtd)

    (13) Air Cdre  A.O.  Ogunjobi

    (14) Air Cdre  G.M.D.  Gwani

    (15) Air Cdre S.O.  Makinde

    (16) Air Cdre A.Y.  Lassa

    (16) Col   N.  Ashinze (Special Military Assistant to former NSA Sambo Dasuki)

    (17) Lt Col.  M.S.  Dasuki (Rtd).

    Sources said yesterday that there was disquiet in the Armed Forces over the  alleged involvement of the officers in the arms deals.

    There were indications last night that all the affected serving officers will have to step down from their command positions pending the conclusion of investigation.

    Most of them might be taken into custody for grilling by the EFCC.

    Only Col. N. Ashinze (Special Military Assistant to the ex-National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki) has been detained by the EFCC in the last two weeks

    The anti-graft agency has also grilled the Alex Badeh Jr., the son of the former Chief of Defence Staff in connection with the arms scandal.

    Only on Wednesday,the EFCC sealed off a building  in Abuja said to belong to Badeh as part of the investigation of his involvement.

    Similarly, the EFCC will probe the following  companies and their directors  for alleged  fundamental breaches associated with the procurements by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF):

    (1) Messrs Societe D’ Equipments Internationaux

    (2) Himma Aboubakar

    (3) Aeronautical Engineering and Technical Services Limited

    (4) Messrs Syrius Technologies

    (5) Dr Theresa A. Ittu

    (6) Sky Experts Nig Ltd

    (7)Omenyi Ifeanyi Tony

    (8) Huzee Nig Ltd

    (9) GAT Techno Dynamics Ltd

    (10) Gbujie Peter Obie

    (11)Onuri Samuel Ugochukwu

    (12) Spacewebs Interservices Ltd

    (13) Oguntoyinbo Tayo

    (14) Oguntoyinbo Funmi.

    (15)  Delfina Oil and Gas Ltd

    (16) Chief Jacobs Bola

    (17) Mono Marine Corporation Nig Ltd

    (18) Geonel Intergrated Services Ltd

    (20) Sachi Felicia

    (20) Mudaki Polycarp

    (21) Wolfgang Reinl.

    Malam  Shehu said that the President took the decision to investigate the former service chiefs and other based on the report of  the  audit committee which,according to him, identified such breaches as non-specification of procurement costs, absence of contract agreements, award of contracts beyond authorised thresholds, transfer of public funds for unidentified purposes and general non-adherence to provisions of the Public Procurement Act.

    He said the procurement processes were “arbitrarily carried out and generally characterized by irregularities and fraud.”

    “In many cases, the procured items failed to meet the purposes they were procured for, especially the counter insurgency efforts in the North East,” he said.

    Citing instances, Shehu said: ”A major procurement activity undertaken by ONSA for NAF was that concerning the contracts awarded to Societe D’ Equipment Internationaux (SEI) Nig Ltd. Between January  2014 and February  2015, NAF awarded 10 contracts totalling Nine Hundred and Thirty Million, Five Hundred Thousand, Six Hundred and Ninety US Dollars ($930,500,690.00) to SEI Nig Ltd.

    “Letters of award and end user certificates for all the contracts issued by NAF and ONSA respectively did not reflect the contract sums. Rather, these were only found in the vendor’s invoices, all dated 19 March 2015.

    “Additionally, some of the award letters contained misleading delivery dates suggesting fraudulent intent in the award process.”

    Continuing,he said the observed discrepancies   were in clear contravention of extant procurement regulations.

    “The SEI contracts included procurement of two used Mi-24V Helicopters instead of the recommended Mi-35M series at the cost of One Hundred and Thirty Six Million, Nine Hundred and Forty Four Thousand US Dollars ($136,944,000.00).

    “However, it was confirmed that the helicopters were excessively priced and not operationally air worthy at the time of delivery. A brand new unit of such helicopters goes for about Thirty Million US Dollars ($30m).

    “Furthermore, the helicopters were delivered without rotor blades and upgrade accessories.

    “Additionally, the helicopters were undergoing upgrade while being deployed for operation in the North East without proper documentation. It was further established that as at date, only one of the helicopters is in service while the other crashed and claimed the lives of two NAF personnel,” it added.

     The committee also  established that ONSA funded the procurement of four used Alpha-Jets for the NAF at the cost of Seven Million, One Hundred and Eighty Thousand US Dollars ($7,180,000.00).

    “However, it was confirmed that only two of the Alpha-Jet aircraft were ferried to Nigeria after cannibalization of engines from NAF fleet.

    “This is contrary to the written assertion of the former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal A.N. Amosu to the former NSA that all the four procured Alpha-Jets aircraft were delivered to the NAF.

    “The non-militarisation of the Alpha-Jets made them unsuitable for deployment to the North East and they are currently deployed only for training at NAF Kainji.

    “Furthermore, the procurement of the Alpha-Jets was contrary to the recommendation of the assessment team. The committee found that the conduct of Air Marshal Amosu was deliberately misleading and unpatriotic.

    The committee also said that the contract for the procurement of 36D6 Low Level Air Defence Radar for the NAF was awarded to GAT Techno Dynamics Ltd in April 2014 at the cost of Thirty Three Million US Dollars ($33m) and was funded by ONSA.

    It established that the radars were excessively priced as a complete set of such radars (comprising six radars including the Control Centre) goes for Six Million US Dollars ($6m) averagely.

    It said: “The committee observed that the radars were delivered without the vital component of Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) that distinguishes between own and adversary aircraft, which has significantly degraded the operational capabilities of the NAF in the North East.

    “It was further observed that the sum of Three Million, Three Hundred Thousand US Dollars ($3.3m) was fraudulently included in the contract agreement as VAT and With Holding Tax  and subsequently paid into the bank accounts of Spacewebs Interservices Ltd and Delfina Oil and Gas Ltd.

    “The committee further established that Two Million US Dollars ($2m) from the proceeds was transferred to Mono Marine Corporation Nig Ltd, which is jointly owned by principal characters in this deal.

    “The committee opined that the infractions of extant regulations by these companies were clearly intended to defraud.

    The panel also established that between September 2009 and May 2015, the NAF expended about Fifteen Billion Naira (N15bn) on the maintenance of its Alpha-Jets, C-130H aircraft and Mi-24V/35P helicopters.

    “Out of this amount, Four Billion, Four Hundred and Two Million, Six Hundred and Eighty Seven Thousand, Five Hundred and Sixty Nine Naira, Forty One Kobo (N4,402,687,569.41) was paid out for contracts not executed.

    “It was also observed that in carrying out these maintenance activities, contracts worth over Two Billion, Five Hundred Million Naira (N2.5bn) were awarded to Syrius Technologies, a Ukrainian company that was not registered in Nigeria.

    “Regrettably, in spite of these expenditures, the status of NAF fleet remained operationally appalling as only three Alpha-Jets, 2 C-130H and one each of Mi-24V and Mi-35P were serviceable as at 28 May, 2015.

    It also said that NAF awarded contracts to DICON in October 2013  for the supply of weapons and ammunition at the cost of Five Hundred and Ninety Nine Million, One Hundred and Eighteen Thousand Naira (N599,118,000.00).

    Only two of the seven items contracted, the committee said, were delivered to NAF while the outstanding five items remained undelivered despite repeated requests to DICON.

    The committee also found that the delivered ammunition were about 40 years old, thereby casting doubts on their shelf life.

    “The failure of DICON to fully execute the contract and the delivery of aged ammunition diminished the capacity of the NAF in North East operation.

    The committe, the statement said, uncovered insider dealings by military officers in procurement activities undertaken by the ONSA and the NAF.

    “The officers were found to have misused or abused their offices for personal gains by influencing award of contracts to private companies in which they have substantial interests.

    “For instance, an officer serving in the ONSA used his office to secure two contracts for his company, Geonel Integrated Services Ltd, for the protection of 20 dams and presidential air fleet security at the cost of Six Billion, Two Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N6,250,000,000.00) and Five Million US Dollars ($5m) respectively.

    “Furthermore, some NAF officers used their companies to collect VAT and With Holding Tax that were never remitted to FIRS while another officer was found to have cross transferred about Five Hundred Million Naira (N500m) between a NAF company, Aeronautical Engineering and Technical Services Limited, Sky Experts Nig Ltd and Huzee Nig Ltd, companies in which he had personal interests.

    “It would be recalled that in its First Interim Report, the Committee on Audit of Defence Equipment established that the sum of Six Hundred and Forty Three Billion Naira (N643bn) and Two Billion, One Hundred Million US Dollars ($2.1bn) interventions were received for defence procurements by DHQ and the Services between 2007 and 2015.

    “In continuation of its assignment, the committee has so far established that the nation spent about Twenty Nine Billion Naira (N29bn) and Two Billion US Dollars ($2bn) on NAF procurement activities alone.”

    A top official of the EFCC said yesterday that  a formal notice “has been received from the presidency on the need to investigate the affected retired and serving officers. We got the reference from the presidency on Friday.

    “We will invite and arrest some of these officers as may be applicable. Already, we have quizzed the son of the ex-CDS in the last few days.

    “All the suspects have been placed on watch-list; they cannot travel out of the country.”

    A top military officer, who spoke in confidence, said: “All the serving officers have to step down temporarily from their command positions until they have been cleared by the EFCC.

    “In line with military tradition in this type of circumstance, their movement is also  restricted to the country.

    “If it is necessary, they might be isolated in some guest houses to ease their movement to and from the EFCC. Where the EFCC feels that any of them should be detained in its custody, we will hand them over accordingly.”

    Responding to a question, the source added: “There is disquiet in the military, but it was more of shock than anything you may think of. Some of these officers are fine gentlemen and their implications jolted many officers and men.”

  • Update: EFCC accused Metuh of transferring N21m to Anenih

    Update: EFCC accused Metuh of transferring N21m to Anenih

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said a former Chairman, Board of Trustee (BOT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Anthony Anenih, benefited from the N400million allegedly received by the party’s spokesman, Olisa Metuh.

    EFCC accused Metuh of receiving the N400million from “an unlawful activity” of the immediate past National Security Adviser (NSA), Mohammed Sambo Dasuki.

    The commission said its investigation also revealed that Metuh allegedly transferred $2million through one of his agents, Nneka Nicole Ararume, to Sie Iyenome and Kabiru Ibrahim of Capital Field Investment, an organisation it found not to be a financial institution.

    These are contained in a seven-count charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/05/2016, filed on Thursday by EFCC, against Metuh and his company – Destra Investment s Limited – before the Federal High Court, Abuja.

    The EFCC was silent on why Metuh gave Anenih N21, 776,000 and for what purpose.

    The commission, which was also silent on what investment Metuh made with the $1million, said it will lead evidence to that effect at trial.

    EFCC’s lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), said the commission will arraign Metuh once the court indicates its readiness to commence trial.

  • Metuh asks court to order his release from detention

    Metuh asks court to order his release from detention

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh,  has asked the Federal High Court in Lagos to order his release from Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) custody.

    In an application filed through activist-lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, Metuh said his continued detention without charge is illegal.

    The PDP spokesman was arrested by EFCC operatives on January 5 in his Abuja home and has since been in custody.

    EFCC reportedly obtained an order from a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Wuse Zone 2 to detain Metuh, who was arrested in connection with about N1.4billion “suspicious” funds in the account of a company in which he has interest.

    About N400million allegedly meant for arms purchase by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) was paid into the account of Destra Investment Limited where Metuh reportedly have a high stake.

    The EFCC said it sought an order to remand Metuh because some of his accomplices are at large.

    Adegboruwa, in the suit numbered FHC/L/CS/21/2016, alleged that Metuh’s family, lawyers and doctors were denied access to him.

    He sued the EFCC and the Attorney-General of the Federation, contending that under section 35 of the 1999 Constitution, the commission has exceeded the maximum time allowed by law for a citizen to be detained without trial.

    Metuh is seeking a declaration that the respondents are not entitled to arrest, detain or restrict his liberty without charge in flagrant violation of his fundamental rights guaranteed under sections 35, 38, 40 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution and Articles 4, 5, 6, 9, 12 and 14 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap. 10, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

    He sought a declaration that his arrest on January 5 constitutes a flagrant violation of his fundamental rights and is ultra vires, null and void and unconstitutional.

     

  • $2.1bn arms scam a hoax – Dokpesi

    $2.1bn arms scam a hoax – Dokpesi

    The $2.1 billion arms purchase scandal currently being investigated by the security agencies is a hoax, the chairman of DAAR Communications, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, has declared.

    Dokpesi is standing trial for allegedly collecting N2.1 billion of the cash from the erstwhile National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki. He is currently on bail.

    The DAAR Communications boss spoke at his Abuja residence during his investiture as Patron of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Youth Vanguard on Wednesday.

    He said, “I must hasten to assure you that there is nothing like the much flaunted $2.1 billion arms gate. The competent courts of our land would sooner or later prove this coinage aimed at decimating the leadership and membership of our great party to be nothing but a hoax.

    “It (arms scandal) does not exist. It’s a figment of the imagination of the present government. It’s about the persecution of Sambo Dasuki, Tony Anenih, Olisa Metuh and others. We will be made proud when we start our defence in court.”

    In apparent reference to the Buhari-Idiagbon military regime of 1984/85, Dokpesi continued, “Some of us are reminded of the events of 1984/85 which by any stretch of comparison are similar to the unfolding events today.

    “As I have said not too long ago, we must stand resolutely united, especially in the face of this momentary political adversity. For one thing, I say again that the PDP is not dead, is not dying and will not die.”

    He described free press as one of the important elements that help to check the monstrous power of the state, adding that DAAR Communications has from inception been at the fore front of the fight against impunity and promotion of democracy even from the military days.

    “We have weathered the storm of oppression, we have been vilified many times, we have also been persecuted in our constitutional duties to make government and its officials accountable to the Nigeria people but we never wavered.

    “During the infamous third time tenure elongation agenda, we dared to speak up, but speak up we did. We have always been on the part of human rights, citizen participation in the democratic process, transparency and accountability.

    “These ideals have not changed and will never change. I assure you ladies and gentlemen, the youth and vitality of this nation, our faith in Nigeria remains unshakable.

    “We will support any policy of government that seeks to promote the ideals of good governance. But we should also not be cowed to speak up where we disagree,” Dokpesi added.

    He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to impede the nation’s journey to political maturity through the manipulation of the federal system to serve purely partisan interests.

    According to him, the PDP was experiencing a massive persecution, political vendetta of the kind never before seen in the land and targeted at the leadership, membership and sympathizers of the opposition by the government of the day.

  • Arms deal: While the rich become richer

    SIR: The days are really perilous here. We are indeed on the brink. Else how can one explain the staggering financial mismanagement oozing like a stench from the former NSA, Sambo Dasuki’s office? How can men, given much and entrusted with positions of authority by Nigerians, choose to repay us with less?

    Nigeria is indeed in short supply of quality leadership and proper representation at all levels. No wonder the late Achebe fumed “the trouble with Nigeria is leadership.” It beats imaginations that a country that prides itself as the ‘largest’ economy in Africa is positioned at the lowest ebb of development as a result bad leadership.   Little wonder a fellow Nigerian suggested the late Dora Akunyili could have dubbed her re-branding campaign slogan ‘Nigeria, good people, great nation, corrupt leadership.’

    The problem with Nigeria is not that ‘officials of government are corrupt, but corruption has become official.’  This pervading cankerworm has eaten into the fabrics of the society; penetrating government institutions like hypodermic needles.

    Is it not despicable and loathsome to charge a group of patriotic boys with mutiny, while the money meant for their motivation is frittered away by a group of individual operating ‘a government of cronyism and favouritism?’ More Worrisome is the fact that Dasuki has revealed he acted under the instruction of President Jonathan. The question that defies answers is ‘if a president and commander- in- chief ever design his government for failure?

    Our leaders have lost touch of focus, as well as lost the template of our collective aspirations. Little wonder unemployment increases geometrically, while its solutions are churned out arithmetically. This is more reason armed robbery and kidnapping are now sources of employments to the willing tools (youths). In this clime, deplorable roads and unstable electricity, unequipped educational and medical institutions are well, parts of life.  These are realities we have come to live with, all because our leaders lust after wealth. It is self evident they have no reason working for the people, whose mandates they hold.  But why would they? While they fly to their destinations, their followers are locked in a pot-hole ridden road. While their wards school in Oxford and Harvard Universities, their followers’ wards are stuck in dilapidated and glorified citadels of learning here.

    Indeed the lure and love of class seem stronger than patriotism.  While the people groan in penury, the rich become richer. And the richer they become, the richer they want to become.  It doesn’t matter the number of soldiers killed in the field of Borno or in the markets of Yola and Kano, all they want is the sustenance of their bourgeois class. While avoidable road accidents commit Nigerians to the land beyond, and poor Medicare, as well as avoidable infernos consume their followers, all the rich want is more money. And the more money they have, the more money they want to have.

    What is more insensitive than throwing a party while our boys are felled in Sambisa by the rampaging sect in the North East? How can over $2.1 billion meant for the procurement of arms be shared by folks while Nigerians die on daily basis?

    I stand with President Muhammadu Buhari when during his 2016 Budget presentation speech to the National Assembly, he said: “we will pursue the recovery of everything that belongs to the people of Nigeria. No matter how long it will take.”

    The President cannot be more correct than this.  This is because “evil thrives when the good do nothing.” We must stand in frontal collision with the wicked.

     

    • ,

    Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

  • Update: Court remands Yuguda, Dasuki, Bafarawa in Kuje prison

    Update: Court remands Yuguda, Dasuki, Bafarawa in Kuje prison

    Former Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda, ex-National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki , former Sokoto State governor,  Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa have been remanded with two others in Kuje prison, Abuja pending the perfection of the bail granted them on Monday.

    Justice Peter Affen of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) gave the order in a ruling on the bail application they filed.

    Also to be remanded are former Director of Finance and Administration in the office of the NSA, Shuaibu Salisu and son of the former Sokoto governor, Sagir Attahiru.

    Yuguda, Dasuki, Bafarawa, Salihu and Sagir were arraigned with a company, Dalhatu Investment Limited on December 15 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 22-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, misappropriation and retention of proceeds of crime estimated at over 20billion naira.

    Ruling on the bail application on Monday, Justice Affen admitted each of the five men to bail at N250million with two sureties, who must pledge the same amount, which they will forfeit should the defendant jump bail.

    The judge said one of the sureties must be Director in the federal Civil Service, they must be resident in Abuja and must have landed property with Abuja worth N250m.

    The judge further said that title documents in relation to the property and the defendants’ travel documents must be kept with the court after their verification by court officials.

    ” I have carefully considered the applications and the evidences tendered and found that extensive investigation was conducted in the matter.

    ” Whatever is left was not substantial to deny the defendants bail, simply because the prosecution alleged that they may interfere with investigation, if granted bail.

    “There is no any evidence to prove that the defendants, if granted bail, will commit another offence.  I found it difficult to agree with the theory of probability, as canvassed by the prosecution, to deny the defendants bail,” the judge said.