Arms Deal Scandal: Nigerian Army Hands Over 3 Major Generals, 4 Colonels and 5 Top Officers to EFCC

 

According to a statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Sami Usman, the Nigerian Army on Thursday, announced that it had handed over 12 top ranking officers to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for investigations, in connection with the ongoing probe into how money meant for the procurement of arms were spent.

 

The Army spokesman disclosed that the officers comprised three serving Major Generals, one retired, three Brigadier Generals, four Colonels and one Lieutenant Colonel. He added that any of the officers found culpable after the EFCC investigation would also be punished by the army.

 

"However, it should be noted that at the end of the Commission’s investigations those found culpable will be tried by a military Court Martial," Usman said.

 

The handover of the officers is a new twist in the ongoing probe into the alleged diversion of funds for the procurement of arms and ammunition meant for the war against the extremist Boko Haram sect as the EFCC is already probing several high-ranking serving and retired Air Force officers, including the immediate past Chief of Defence State, Alex Badeh, and a former Chief of Air Force, Adesola Amosu.

 

Others being probed in relation with the alleged fraud are Air Vice Marshal A. M. Mamu, Air Vice Marshal O. T. Oguntoyinbo, Air Vice-Marshal T. Omenyi, Air Vice Marshal J. B. Adigun and Air Vice Marshal R. A. Ojuawo.

 

Also being interrogated are Air Vice Marshal J. A. Kayode-Beckley; Air Commodore A. O. Ogunjobi; Air Commodore G. M. D. Gwani; Air Commodore S. O. Makinde; Air Commodore A. Y. Lassa; and Colonel N. Ashinze.