All is now set for the second phase of the probe into the $2.1 billion arms scandal as former Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is to be quizzed by the EFCC.
Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
The former Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is set to be quizzed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission concerning €3.6m vehicles deal in the second phase of the $2.1 billion arms deal scandal.
It was learnt the cars were purchased during former President Goodluck Jonathan's Administration which amounted to €3,654,121million bought for the Republic of Niger in October 2013 and April 2014.
The cash was withdrawn from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) account in two installments of €1, 401,869 and €2,252,252.25.
According to the Nation, the commission is also seeking to verify whether or not the vehicles were bought and under diplomatic or bilateral security cooperation. The EFCC is to find out from the Republic of Niger if there was such assistance from Nigeria.
The agency plans to quiz some more public figures, including former Minister of Finance Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, some former Service Chiefs and serving military officers in connection with the $2.1billion arms deals. Some suspects may be taken into custody after the interrogation.
The EFCC, it was gathered, is through with the first phase of the probe, which led to the arraignment of ex-National Security Adviser (NSA) Sambo Dasuki and 10 others.
A top source said: “We are beginning the second phase of the ongoing investigation of the $2.1b arms deals on Monday. From the preliminary findings, the scandal is mind-boggling.
“We are going to question more high-profile serving and former public officers, including a former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on the release of some funds.
“We want the ex-Minister to shed more light on how about $322million was disbursed to the Office of the National Security Adviser(ONSA).
“Some serving and former military chiefs will have to respond to issues which we have already isolated for clarification.
“This explains why some serving and former military chiefs will need to come and assist our investigators.
“Some of the companies which supplied these equipment have been contacted too.” He said.
The initial cash of €1, 401,869 was drawn from the Central Bank in an October 2013 through ONSA memo ACCT/87/VOL.1/384. The second tranche of €2,252,252.25 was got from the CBN in an April 1, 2014 via a memo ACCT/87/VOL.1/60
The first memo to the CBN Governor, “Transfer of foreign exchange”, said: “You are please requested to transfer the sum of €1, 401,869.00 only in favour of SEI Societe d’equipments Internanaux-Niamey-Niger BP 11737 as payment for the supply of security vehicles to Republic of Niger. The wire transfer details are as follows: Banque: SONIBANK (Republique du Niger-Niamey). Compete N025111123981/22. Code Banque:80064. Code Guichrt: 01001.
“The amount should be charged to National Security Adviser Account no. 0020172241010020172241019 with the Central Bank of Nigeris Abuja and all charges thereto.
“Please accept the assurances of the National Security Adviser.”
EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Mustafa Magu had earlier in the day told the House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes that Okonjo-Iweala, former Minister of Petroleum Resources Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke and one of her associates, Mr, Kola Aluko, are being investigated.
The EFCC has intensified its collaboration with the National Crime Agency in the United Kingdom, with the ongoing probe of former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke.
The International Corruption Unit (ICU) of NCA on October 2 arrested Mrs. Alison-Madueke and four others. The identities of the remaining four suspects are yet to be unveiled.
But all the suspects are being investigated for alleged bribery and money laundering.
The EFCC source, who is actively involved in the ongoing investigation, said: “We have been collaborating with NCA on Diezani’s case, which has reached an appreciable level.
“We have the details of others arrested with Diezani but we will not disclose until the matter gets to a convenient bend.
“So far, we have been comparing notes with NCA on a faster note in terms of tracking a few transactions and documents. There is no hiding place for the ex-Minister and her alleged accomplices.
“By the time the trial begins, the NCA and EFCC would have established a solid case against the ex-Minister and other suspects.”
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