ADVERTISEMENT

NIA says it won’t go to court to claim ownership of $50M

The EFCC had recovered the funds, in separate sums of $43 million, N23 million and 27,000 pounds, during a raid on Wednesday, April 12.

EFCC recovers cash from Ikoyi home

The cash, which was recovered due to information provided by a whistleblower, was believed to have been stashed in the apartment by a looter until the NIA claimed that the money was allotted to it for “covert operations.”

“The money is going back to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the NIA will write to reapply for the fund, which was actually meant for a covert operation of the agency,” an NIA source told Daily Trust.

“You know this is a secret agency that is hardly in public glare. The money was meant for an operation and it was kept there and only spent with approval of the Presidency. The Presidency is aware of the funds and gave approvals for spending.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Like I told you, the money belongs to the NIA and the agency has no reason to join this issue if it were not its money. What does the NIA stand to benefit from shielding any politician? The agency will never smear its reputation in such manner. The fund belongs to the NIA and the agency will follow appropriate steps in reclaiming it,” the source added.

A Federal High Court in Lagos had, on Thursday April 13, ordered temporary forfeiture of the funds to the Federal Government.

Presiding judge, Justice Sule Hassan adjourned the case till May 5, 2017 to allow persons with interest in the money come before him to give reasons why it should not be permanently forfeited to the government.

Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike is also claiming ownership of the funds which he alleges were misappropriated from the state by his predecessor, Rotimi Amaechi.

ADVERTISEMENT

Amaechi has however denied the claim while describing Wike as a confused child.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Hardship: Abiodun to begin sale of rice to Ogun residents at 50% discount

Hardship: Abiodun to begin sale of rice to Ogun residents at 50% discount

Labour Party offers Peter Obi 2027 presidential ticket unopposed

Labour Party offers Peter Obi 2027 presidential ticket unopposed

Allow us build seaports, railways to develop the South-East - Ohanaeze tells FG

Allow us build seaports, railways to develop the South-East - Ohanaeze tells FG

UCH Ibadan workers are tired of working in darkness as power outage persists

UCH Ibadan workers are tired of working in darkness as power outage persists

Armed robbery suspect who killed police officer begs govt to have mercy on him

Armed robbery suspect who killed police officer begs govt to have mercy on him

Tinubu enlists Dangote, Elumelu, Rabiu, others in Economic Coordination Council

Tinubu enlists Dangote, Elumelu, Rabiu, others in Economic Coordination Council

Sanwo-Olu doesn't want you to blame govt for current hardship in the country

Sanwo-Olu doesn't want you to blame govt for current hardship in the country

Okuama: Slain officers left behind 3 pregnant widows, 21 orphans – Lagbaja

Okuama: Slain officers left behind 3 pregnant widows, 21 orphans – Lagbaja

Joke Silva describes neglect of Lagos theatres as sad development

Joke Silva describes neglect of Lagos theatres as sad development

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT