BEVERLY HILLS, January 31, (THEWILL) – In a bid to circumvent whatever will sabotage the ongoing probe into an alleged diversion of funds meant for the procurement of arms under the last administration, the federal government has beefed up security around the probe panel chairman, AVM J.O.N. Ode(rtd) and others members of the committee.
It was gathered last night that the action was to check the desperation of some suspects being investigated in the arms deals to infiltrate the panel with some of those under probe employing subtle means to woo relations and friends of the panel chairman and members with a view to prevailing on the panelists to ‘tread softly.’
But the committee members have vowed to get to the roots of the scandals in the Armed Forces. They include: R/Adm J.A. Aikhomu (rtd.); R/Adm E. Ogbor (rtd.); Brig Gen L. Adekagun (rtd.); Brig Gen M. Aminu-Kano (rtd.); Brig Gen N. Rimtip (rtd.); Cdre T.D. Ikoli ; Air Cdre U. Mohammed (rtd.); Air Cdre I. Shafi’i; Col A.A. Ariyibi; Gp Capt C.A. Oriaku (rtd.); Mr. Ibrahim Magu (EFCC) with Brig Gen Y.I. Shalangwa as Secretary of the committee.
Speaking with The Nation newspaper, a highly-placed source said: “Some of these suspects were so desperate that they were ready to do anything to escape justice.”
“You can imagine how daring they have become by offering $150,000 to an EFCC operative.
“The government has decided to build heavy security round the Chairman and members of the Special Investigative Committee and their families.”
In response to a question, the source said: “The ongoing exercise comes with a lot of risks for the chairman and members of the committee.
“The probe of the procurements by the military is just about 50 per cent level and the panel has uncovered mind-boggling frauds.”
“By the time the panel is fully done, Nigerians will appreciate the extent of the rot in the system.”
“Yet, most of these suspects are really daring and too desperate in wielding influence.”
“Phase II of the investigation borders on inflation, diversion, reduction and embezzlement of salaries and allowances of troops by senior officers. This committee is yet to get to this bend.”
