Buhari Wants SGF Babachir, DG NIA Probed ‘In Secret’
President Muhammadu Buhari[/caption]
The presidency has said on Satdurday that the probe involving suspended Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal and the Director General of National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ayo Oke, will be done behind closed doors.
This was according to the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Vice President, Laolu Akande, who revealed that the decision was reached by the 3-man committee constituted by President Muhammadu Buhari to carry out the investigation.
The investigation team, headed by VP Yemi Osinbajo will be probing alleged violation of due process levelled against the SGF and the $13bn Ikoyi cash haul claimed by the NIA.
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THE WHISTLER recalls that the said cash was recovered by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in hidden safe at the Osborn towers in Lagos.
“The Presidential Committee ordered earlier this week by President Muhammadu Buhari to probe certain allegations against the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Engineer Babachir Lawal, and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, NIA, Mr. Ayo Oke has commenced its work in earnest,” it said.
“President Buhari on Wednesday established the 3-man panel headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, with Attorney-General & Justice Minister, Abubakar Malami and National Security Adviser, Rtd Major General Babagana Munguno as members, to investigate allegations of legal and due process violations made against the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF and the discovery of large amounts of foreign and local currencies by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in a residential apartment in Ikoyi, Lagos.
“In the discharge of its work, the panel is expected to invite all relevant officials and private individuals who may be connected to both cases. It will also obtain and scrutinize documents that may throw some light on the issues raised in both cases. All its proceedings will however be in closed sessions to avoid speculations, allow for full disclosure and enhance the pace of proceedings.
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“The panel which is expected to submit its report to the President at the expiration of the 14-day deadline, will conduct it’s work with utmost diligence and without fear or favour,” the statement read.
