The committee set up to investigate the suspended DG of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ayo Oke, and the suspended SGF, Babachir Lawal, has said it has no plans to invite former President Goodluck Jonathan in connection with the investigation.
The committee, which is led by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, comprises the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and the National Security Adviser, Babagana Moguno, as members.
President Muhammadu Buhari tasked the committee to investigate why the NIA kept $43.4m, N23m and £27,000 (N13bn) in a house in an Ikoyi apartment, a huge sum of N13billion later seized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, based on a tip-off from a whistle-blower.
Sources said the suspended NIA DG last week told Osinbajo and the NSA that the money, which was originally, $289,202,382, emanated from the National Petroleum Investment Management Service on February 25, 2015, and was disbursed for security intervention projects to security agencies on the orders of Jonathan.
However, the investigation committee has disclosed it will henceforth conduct the probe against Babachir and Oke under closed door according to a statement from Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
The Statement signed by Laolu Akande, the Spokesperson to the Vice President said the Presidency opted for a secret probe to avoid
speculation on the issues.
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It reads, “The Presidential Committee ordered earlier this week by President Muhammadu Buhari to probe certain allegations against the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Engineer Babachir Lawal, and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, NIA, Mr. Ayo Oke has
commenced its work in earnest.
President Buhari on Wednesday established the 3-man panel headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, with Attorney-General & Justice Minister,
Abubakar Malami and National Security Adviser, Rtd Major General Babagana Munguno as members, to investigate allegations of legal and due process
violations made against the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF.
“And the discovery of large amounts of foreign and local currencies by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in a residential apartment in Ikoyi, Lagos.
In the discharge of its work, the panel is expected to invite all relevant officials and private individuals who may be connected to both cases.
It will also obtain and scrutinize documents that may throw some light on the issues raised in both cases.
All its proceedings will however be in closed sessions to avoid speculations, allow for full disclosure and enhance the pace of proceedings.
The panel which is expected to submit its report to the President at the expiration of the 14-day deadline will conduct its work with utmost diligence and without fear or favour.
END
