EFCC to probe Daura’s ‘role’ in $2.1bn arms deal

Barely 48 hours after Lawal Daura lost his job as the Director General, State Security Service, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, yesterday, arrested his predecessor in office, Ita Ekpeyong, following a raid on his Asokoro residence in Abuja.
Although Ekpeyong was reportedly released barely five hours after, details surrounding the agency’s decision were not however forthcoming from the agency as at the time of filing this report.
This is coming amidst information that Daura, initially placed under house arrest, was also granted administrative bail.
His travelling passport was, however, seized by federal authorities pending the completion of investigation into his role in the siege to the National Assembly and other graft allegations. Daura, who was said to have been in the custody of the police, was reportedly released yesterday on condition that he would be watched by security operatives.
Further to this, EFCC operatives, according to sources, are dusting their files to probe Daura’s alleged involvement in the SSS’ ‘share’ of the $2.1billion arms procurement fund, said to have been disbursed to various interest groups, agencies and individuals ahead of the 2015 elections by former National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Sambo Dasuski.
The SSS, under Ekpeyong, is said to have allegedly got $30 million from the fund for its operations, out of which Ekpeyong reportedly expended $9 million on the elections, and handed over the balance of $21,237,435.72 to his successor Daura.
Ekpeyong’s arrest was said to have been sanctioned by Acting President Yomi Osinbajo, following a meeting with the Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu and acting DG of the DSS, Mr. Matthew Seiyefa, on Wednesday, after presiding over the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
EFCC’s failed bid on Ekpeyong His arrest materialised about nine months after SSS personnel protecting the former service boss, under the leadership of Daura, prevented EFCC operatives from searching or arresting Ekpeyong despite valid search and arrest warrants, on November 21, 2017.
Blueprint gathered that the EFCC personnel, who came in three buses and some patrol vehicles yesterday, were accompanied by over 20 armed policemen, who raided the house located at No 46, Maman Nasir Street, Asokoro, Abuja.
His arrest may not be unconnected with investigation into the $2.1billion arms procurement fund.
Daura’s past threats Or sources further said, Daura, the sacked security chief, had at different times boasted that no one could probe his spending, “as he is only answerable to only Mr. President because of the sensitivity of what is involved.
I think his cup is not only full but overflowed.