Agency invites sacked NIA DG, wife over the N13bn Ikoyi cash

dimeji akinloye

November 2, 2017 1:35 AM

The EFCC also invited other officials of the NIA following go-ahead from the Presidency that it can continue its investigations into the Ikoyi 'loot'.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has invited the sacked Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency,

According to Punch, which cited EFCC sources, the couple were invited to the zonal office of the Commission in Lagos.

"In furtherance of its investigative activities to unravel the circumstances surrounding the $43.45 million cash recovered by operatives of the EFCC in Lagos sometime in April 2017, we have invited former Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ayodele Oke and his wife, Folashade Oke," a senior operative was quoted as saying.

The anti-graft agency also invited other officials of the NIA following go-ahead from the Presidency that it can continue its investigations into the matter.

The Presidential panel headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, which was set up to investigate the matter, was believed to have stalled EFCC's investigations.

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Others who are expected to report to the EFCC include a bureau de change operator, Sulah Petroleum and Gas Limited, and officials of the NIA.

The source added, "Mrs. Oke had refused to honour previous invitations by the commission which resumed its investigation into the matter, following the Federal Government’s decision to relieve Mr. Oke of his position as DG.

"Besides the couple, other suspects are equally being invited to determine their culpability or otherwise in the humongous cash, in foreign currencies and naira notes, stashed in a residential building at Osborne road Ikoyi, Lagos."

On Monday, October 30, President Muhammadu Buhari fired Oke and the Secretary-General of the Federation, Babachir Lawal - the two had been suspended six months ago.

Lawal was relieved of his duties for allegedly violating due process in the award of contracts.

dimeji akinloye