‘Missing $44m’: Reps Quiz Kingibe, NIA DG Behind Closed Doors

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Safety and National Intelligence is currently quizzing former Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), and chairman of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Presidential Review Panel, Amb. Babagana Kingibe over the alleged attempt to divert $44 million from the agency’s coffers.

Amb. Kingibe appeared before the committee on Tuesday, alongside other members of the panel who include: former DG, SSS, Mr. Albert K. Horsfall; Former DGs of NIA, Mr. Olaniyi Oladeji, Mr. ZY Ibrahim and the current DG of NIA, Mr. Abubakar Rufai.

The Presidential review panel was set up by President Muhammadu Buhari to look into the operational, technical and administrative structure of the NIA and make appropriate recommendations.

It was set up after former DG of the agency, Ayo Oke, was sacked over the discovery of about N13 billion in an apartment in Ikoyi, in April 2017.

The former SGF’ summons was contained in a letter addressed to the SGF, Engr. Boss Mustapha and signed by the chairman of the committee, Hon. Jaji.

In the letter with reference number: NASS/HR/8/CT.80/IV/326, dated January 30, 2018, the Committee frowned at the non-appearance of Amb. Kingibe despite invitations to that effect.

The aim of the invitation though not made public may not be unconnected to a memo from the immediate past Acting DG of the NIA, Ambassador Mohammed Dauda to the House committee, wherein he indicted Kingide, the incumbent DG of the NIA, Mr Abubakar and Chief of staff to the president, Alhaji Abba Kyari over the movement of the missing $44 million.

Moments before the meeting kicked off, journalist were asked to leave the room.