AGF, Malami might address Nigerians on the issue soon

chika ebuzor

April 16, 2017 1:58 PM

A source close to the presidency said that Malami will address Nigerians on the matter once he gets clearance.

There are indications that the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN) will clear the air on the ownership of the money recently recovered from an apartment in Ikoyi.

According to The Nation Online, Buhari has also asked Malami to get an official brief from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).

The NIA reportedly claimed ownership of the recovered funds, saying it was meant for a covert operation.

A source also revealed that the government is worried that comments made by Governors Ayo Fayose and Nyesom Wike of Ekiti and Rivers states respectively, might complicate the matter.

The source also said “What many Nigerians do not know is that the President is a man of due process and he does not rush to judgment.

“Although he got to know of EFCC operation in the media, the Director-General of NIA, Amb. Ayo Oke personally briefed him on Thursday morning at his residence in the presence of the AGF and a few others (names withheld).

“At the session, the President raised some issues on staff houses and the cash which the NIA DG clarified. And on the spot, the President gave an order that the cash be kept in the Central Bank (CBN).

“He also directed that the AGF should get official brief from NIA and EFCC. The Minister supervises EFCC and the President asked him to examine the circumstances surrounding the recovery and come up with a report.

“Malami has received reports/ brief from the two agencies and will report back to the President before making an official declaration on the status of the money.”

Reports also say the Director-General of NIA, Amb. Ayo Oke has briefed the President, Vice-President Osinbajo, the National Security Adviser, Gen. Babagana Monguno and the DSS boss, Alhaji Lawan Daura on the issue.

Another source told The Nation Online that “The Buhari administration has nothing to hide at all. The AGF will soon speak on the status of the cash.

“Some governors have taken advantage of constitutional immunity to make claims which have complicated the recovery by EFCC. But in his transparent manner, Buhari has directed that the nation must be fully briefed.

ALSO READ:EFCC discovers $38M, N23M in Ikoyi home

“This process took a little long because NIA is involved. It is both a national and an international security agency and the government needs to be careful in handling any sensitive matter involving NIA. And for the NIA DG, he is well respected in the international community. He actually worked closely with ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo as a desk officer at the Nigerian High Commission in the UK to recover Abacha loot.”

Meanwhile, the Governor of Ekiti state, Ayo Fayose has accused the Federal Government of protecting the real owner of the Ikoyi apartment.

chika ebuzor