$2.1b Arms Deal Probe: Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Former Service Chiefs To Be Quizzed By EFCC

As the new year begins, another round of investigation into the $2.1billion arms deals is to be commenced by the  Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) tomorrow, the Nation reports.

According to the report, the first thing on the agenda would be how the Jonathan Administration spent €3,654,121million to purchase security vehicles for the Republic of Niger in October 2013 and April 2014. The cash was withdrawn from the ONSA account in two installments of  €1, 401,869 and €2,252,252.25.
The commission is also seeking to verify whether or not the vehicles were bought and under what diplomatic or bilateral security cooperation.

It was gathered that it would require finding out from the Republic of Niger if there was such assistance from Nigeria. The agency plans to quiz a number  more public figures including Minister of Finance in the Jonathan administration, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, some ex-Service Chiefs and serving military officers in connection with the $2.1billion arms deal.

Some suspects may be taken into custody in the process,sources hinted yesterday. The EFCC, it was gathered, is through with  the first phase of the probe of the arms deals which led to the arraignment of ex-National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki and 10 others.

The interrogation of the likes of Dasuki and the others now facing trial or about to be arraigned seems to have convinced the agency of diging deeper than originally planned.

A top source said: “We are beginning the second phase of the ongoing investigation of the $2.1b arms deals on Monday. From the preliminary findings, the scandal is mind-boggling.

“We are going to question more high-profile serving and former public officers, including a former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on the release of some funds.

“We want the ex-Minister to shed more light on how about $322million was disbursed to the Office of the National Security Adviser(ONSA).

“Some serving and former military chiefs will have to respond to issues which we have already isolated for clarification.”
The source revealed that investigators have already obtained the list of military equipment which were bought and the inventory by the Armed Forces.
“This explains why some serving and former military chiefs will need to come and assist our investigators,”he said.

“Some of the companies which supplied these equipment have been contacted too.”
On the purchase of  security vehicles for Niger Republic,the EFCC is said to have established that the money by ONSA on the purchase of vehicles for Niger Republic was withdrawn from the ONSA account in two installments of  €1, 401,869 and €2,252,252.25.

It was gathered that it would require finding out from the Republic of Niger if there was such assistance from Nigeria. The initial cash of €1, 401,869 was drawn from the Central Bank of Nigeria in an October 2013 through ONSA memo ACCT/87/VOL.1/384
The second tranche of €2,252,252.25 was got from the CBN in an April 1, 2014 via a memo ACCT/87/VOL.1/60

The first memo to the CBN Governor, “Transfer of foreign exchange”, said: “You are please requested to transfer the sum of €1, 401,869.00  only in favour of SEI Societe d’equipments internanaux-Niamey-Niger BP 11737 as payment for the supply of security vehicles to Republic of Niger. The wire transfer details are as follows: Banque: SONIBANK (Republique du Niger-Niamey). Compete N025111123981/22. Code Banque:80064. Code Guichrt: 01001.

“The amount should be charged to National Security Adviser Account  no. 0020172241019 with the Central Bank of Nigeris Abuja and all charges thereto.

“Please accept the assurances of the National Security Adviser.”
A second memo said: “You are please requested to transfer the sum of €2, 252, 252.25  only in favour of SEI Societe d’equipments internanaux-Niamey-Niger BP 11737 as payment for the supply of security vehicles to Republic of Niger. The wire transfer details are as follows: Banque: SONIBANK (Republique du Niger-Niamey). Compete N025111123981/22. Code Banque: 80064. Code Guichrt: 01001.
“The amount should be charged to National Security Adviser Account no. 0020172241019 with the Central Bank of Nigeria,Abuja and all charges thereto.

“Please accept the assurances of the National Security Adviser.”

Read Kiss Daniel's Open Letter On #Headies2015 Loss

“When I opened my social media accounts this morning, it was humbling for me to see that so many people believe that I deserve recognition for the work I was able to do last year by the grace of God. But like Thomas a Kempis famously wrote; “Man proposes, but God disposes”.

To see that fans across different social audiences appreciate the efforts I put into making my music is one I will never look down upon, no award beats that, and I hope to be able to repay this confidence in good time.

My fans have been the most amazing source of inspiration for me, and I promise never to let you down. From the days when I was nobody in this industry, to song after song that you have helped become hits, I say God bless you for all the support.

To be honest, it was quite heartbreaking to find out that I did not get the particular recognition I so much craved, but I am excited that it only means I need to work harder, and that 2016 will be a bigger year for me.

In 2015, some of the awards I won with your support include; ‘Best New Act’ at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards (NEA), Next Rated Artiste of The Year at the Extreme Awards in Benin Republic, AFRIMA Awards Most Promising Act in Africa.

I also found out I was one of the top 5 Google Top Trending Nigerian Musicians. For an artiste with less than 10 songs to my name, I think this is enough for me to congratulate myself upon.
This year 2016 is going to be bigger and better; my debut album drops this year, and with the work put into it by myself, my team, and that of the artistes magnanimous enough to feature on it, I am positive that this will be the year.

I also want to use this opportunity to tell the fans to look out for the forthcoming single of my label mate and brother “Sugarboy” dropping in few days from now, as we at G-Worldwide Entertainment will continue to bring you good music.

I thank you all; my fans for always supporting me, the media platforms who continue to keep me in the public’s mind, the industry seniors who have made it their job to guide and mentor, and the members of my team who work behind the scenes to make sure I keep my head level and continue to make great music. Special shoot-out to my label boss “Emperor Geezy” who continues to bring the best out of me.

I wish you all a happy New Year, and hope you have a good time in 2016.
ANIDUGBE OLUWATOBILOBA DANIEL (KISS DANIEL)
Almost forgot, thanks to the good guys at The Guardian UK for giving me a mention in The playlist: the best African pop of 2015 “

Kayode Fayemi holds thanksgiving on his ministerial appointment

Kayode Fayemi holds thanksgiving on his ministerial appointment

 

Minister of Solid Minerals and former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi and his wife Bisi held a thanksgiving service at the St. Martins Catholic Church, Isan -Ekiti to appreciate God on his appointment as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Also in attendance were the former governors of the state, Niyi Adebayo and Segun Oni. See more photos below

 

 

 

 

 

 

Boko Haram: Hunters appeal to Nigerian army for entry into Sambisa Forest

Boko Haram: Hunters appeal to Nigerian army for entry into Sambisa Forest

 

 

Some hunters in Borno State have appealed to the Nigerian Army to allow them access the dreaded Sambisa forest which is believed to be the hideout of the terror group, Boko Haram. The Emir of hunters in the state Mai-Gana Mai-Durma while addressing the media in Maiduguri said they are very familiar with the terrain of the much dreaded forest and so should be allowed to go in and fight the terrorists.

“We are appealing to the military authorities to allow us join the fight against Boko Haram at the Sambisa forest. We are ready to pursue the terrorists because we know the terrain very well. We will overrun Sambisa in partnership with members of the civilian JTF if given the opportunity. This will help to complement the effort of military in the anti terrorism operation. Hunters from all the 27 Borno LGAs are all in Maiduguri with our leaders doing nothing at present because of Boko Haram. Rather than idling away, we will want to assist the military in crushing Boko Haram terrorists.”he said