Why EFCC Could Not Probe Jonathan Over $2.1bn Arms Deal – Magu

Former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) says former President Goodluck Jonathan could not be invited for questioning over the controversial $2.1 billion arms deal “because memos and documents showed that the disbursements were not officially approved for campaigns.”

The revelation is contained in “From Soldier to Statesman: The legacy of Muhammad Buhari”, written by Dr Charles Omole.

The book, which was launched at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, chronicles the life and times of the late former President, his military sojourn, and journey into politics.

According to Omole, that singular action made some to view former National Security Advisor, Sambo Dasuki, as a ‘co-president’ alongside Jonathan.

Omole said that there was tension within the PDP camp over the alleged diversion of the funds, as several PDP leaders were invited for questioning.

Omole wrote, “Tensions reportedly simmered between NSA Dasuki and Defence Minister Aliyu Gusau as procurement authority and other vital functions gravitated to the NSA, leading some to see Dasuki as a ‘co-president’ alongside Jonathan.”

Omole added that Former national Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Adamu Mu’azu, went into hiding as Olisa Matuh swore to starve himself rather than return the N400 million his company received from the deal.

“By January, former PDP national chairman Adamu Mu’azu was wanted for questioning but was in hiding. Former PDP spokesman Olisa Metuh, asked about the N400 million paid to a company linked to him, said he would rather starve than refund it; he was arrested.

“Former NIMASA DG Patrick Akpobolokemi was arrested, jumped bail, and was rearrested: his surety lawyer was detained. Six PDP zonal chairmen claimed ignorance of the source of campaign slush funds.”

According to Omole, when Magu was asked about inviting former President Jonathan over the diversion of the funds, he said the EFCC would not do so because memos and documents showed that the disbursements were not officially approved for campaigns.

He stated, “He (Magu) lamented how well-funded legal defences stall cases, politicians who steal ‘N10 billion keep N5 billion for litigation,’ hire senior advocates, and exploit any investigative gaps.”

According to Omole, case files of senior members of the PDP piled up during the period, as several of them decried witch hunts.

He added, “Acting on recommendations of the Military Procurement Audit Committee, Buhari directed the EFCC to probe 17 current and former officers, many from the Air Force-including Air Chief Marshal A. S. Badeh (rtd), Air Marshal M. D. Umar (rtd), Air Marshal A. N. Amosu (rtd), Major-General E. R. Chioba (rtd), AVMs I. A. Balogun, A. C. Tsakr, A. C. Idowu, A. M. Mamu, O. T. Oguntoyinbo, T. Omenyi, J. B. Adigun, and J. A. Kayode-Beckley, plus several air commanders.

“Most were questioned and released. Badeh was later charged with money laundering, criminal breach of trust, and corruption, including allegedly taking N1.4 billion from Air Force accounts to purchase an Abuja mansion.

“The committee’s second report flagged 21 companies for EFCC investigation over Air Force or NSA contracts, among them Société d’Équipements Internationaux; Himma Abubakar; Aeronautical Engineering and Technical Services Ltd; and Syrius Technologies-with issues ranging from unspecified costs to transfers of public funds for unidentified purposes.”(daily trust)