LOOTED FUND: More Prominent Nigerians In The List Would Be Prosecuted, Says EFCC.

The acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu has reiterated the commitment of the Commission to prosecute all persons linked in any way to the looting of the public fund particularly the ongoing $2.1 billion arms deal procurement saga irrespective of their status in the society.

Magu categorically stated that in the few weeks ahead that influential Nigerians linked to the atrocities would be arrested and charged to face prosecution adding that the commission has dedicatedly embarked on internal preliminary investigations towards fishing out the culprits for prosecutions in the court ranging inter alia from diversion, misappropriation of public fund to money laundering charges’

“More influential Nigerians are on the radar of the EFCC and, in the coming weeks, they would have their days in court and Nigerians will be kept fully abreast of the results of the Commission’s investigations,” he said.

At the moment, several prominent Nigerians including the Chairman of Daar Communications, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Nduka Obiegbena, and the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, among others have been linked to the illegal disbursements of the fund, and consequently facing interrogations in the commission’s custody.

Meanwhile, there is an indication that the anti-graft agency, in its determination to do a thorough investigation on the indiscriminate disbursement of the $2.1 billion fund earmarked for arms procurement by the ex-National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki, has traced about N400 million to a bank account allegedly belonging to a military as well as other pecuniary involvement by other personnel.

Following the discovery, EFCC has formally written to the Defense Headquarters seeking for its release of the linked officers and personnel for interrogations accordingly.

The anti-graft body has not formally made a statement on the discovery as at the time of filing this report. However, it has debunked the allegation that its fight against corruption in the country is targeted at the oppositions adding that as an agency of the government saddled with the responsibility of eradicating corruption which it said has become an epidemic in the society, it would do its job without fear or favour irrespective of who is involved.

In a similar vein, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, while responding to questions on the latest arrest of PDP’s spokesperson, the Bellos and other notable members of PDP alleging that President Muhammadu Buhari was using the EFCC and other anti-graft agencies to witch-hunt perceived enemies particularly his oppositions, stated that it was a misconception. He unequivocally stated that the President has never and will never dictate to the anti-graft bodies to do its statutory duties.

 “I think the first point to make is that this government is not micro-managing any of the anti-graft agencies. I know for a fact that they don’t contact the President or anybody before they do their job.

“I think the media also has to do more than they are doing right now, they should investigate these allegations and also make their independent judgment about it.

“Honestly, if the EFCC or ICPC says that they are able to trace certain amount of money to my account, I don’t want you to believe it, I want you to also ask for proof; do your investigation.

“I can assure you that this government, no functionary in government micromanages or directs the EFCC or ICPC on who to arrest and who not to arrest,” he said.

The minister also challenged the media to also do their independent investigations on the allegations leveled against the suspects to confirm if they were being politically incarcerated.