Buhari receives report on SGF, NIA DG probe
President Muhammadu Buhari has received the report on the investigation into allegations of corruption against the suspended Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Engr. Babachir Lawal, and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mr Ayo Oke.
The report was presented to President Buhari at the State House on Wednesday by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who chair the investigative committee.
After the presentation, Professor Osinbajo declined to disclose the recommendations of the committee to State House correspondents.
He, however, said only the President could take a decision on the recommendations made in the report, adding that the committee was fair in its investigation.
The Vice President also declined to give a timeline of how long it would take the President to study the report and take action.
The submission came four months after the SGF was suspended for allegedly violating the law and due process in the award of contracts under the Presidential Initiative on the North East (PINE).
On the other hand, the investigation of the NIA boss was connected to the large amounts of foreign and local currencies discovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a residential apartment in the Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos.
After the anti-graft agency made the discovery on April 12, the DG NIA claimed the funds belonged to the NIA.
This sparked calls for an investigation into why the funds were kept in a private apartment.
On April 20, President Buhari announced the suspension of Ayo Oke, as well as Babachir Lawal who had faced controversy for months with the Senate calling for his removal.
The President also set up a three-man committee comprising the Attorney of Federation and Minister of Justice, National Security Adviser and headed by the Vice President to investigate allegations against them.
Professor Osinbajo had said the committee, which had 14 days to conclude its investigation, would thoroughly carry out its responsibilities.
The committee, however, was unable to submit its report until August 23 due to the President’s absence from the country on a medical vacation.
