The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a former minister of State for Finance Bashir Yuguda, and some top officials from the office of the ex-National Security Adviser over the controversial arms procurement scandal surrounding former NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd).
Multiple sources at EFCC said Yuguda was arrested Monday afternoon and was currently being quizzed by detectives.
Our sources said a huge amount of money; “running into billions” was allegedly traced to the former minister from funds meant for arms procurement.
“The funds were directly transferred to him from the NSA’s office and he has been unable to explain the rationale for the transfer,” a source said.
“The transfers were made to his account between December 2014 and May 2015.”
Also arrested over the same matter are some senior officials at the NSA’s office, including the director of finance.
“The suspects are being grilled by crack detectives and may not be allowed to go home soon,” one source said.
The spokesperson for the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, said he was yet to be briefed on the arrests.
“I’m aware that our detectives are looking into the case but I’m not sure who and who has been taken in,” Mr. Uwujaren said on telephone.
A presidential investigation committee into the arms procurement under the Goodluck Jonathan administration had said in its interim report that it found extra-budgetary spending by the Jonathan administration to the tune of N643.8 billion and an additional $2.2 billion foreign currency component.
But Dasuki has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, saying all contracts and accruing payments on arms procurement were made based on the approval of Jonathan, adding that due process and military procurement regulations were followed in all the transactions.
“Nigerians should note that all the services generated the types of equipment needed, sourced suppliers most times and after consideration by the Office of the NSA, the President will approve application for payment,” Dasuki said in a recent statement.
Jonathan, however, said in Washington last week that his government never awarded any contract in the range of $2 billion.
“I did not award any $2 billion contract for procurement of weapons,” Jonathan said, querying, “Where did the money come from?” and repeating emphatically that “I did not award a contract of $2 billion for procurement of weapons.”
-Premium Times