In an effort to gather momentum for the war against corruption, the federal government might upped the ante by declaring wanted some officials of Goodluck Jonathan administration.
According to a report, the first list of names of wanted former government employees, who have fled the country in other to escape arrest and possible prosecution, will be released next week and more will be released in the future.
It is alleged that former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the federation, Mohammed Adoke, is on the list. Adoke, who is believed to be in Dubai, is wanted for questioning in connection to the $1.1 billion Malabu Oil deal.
He is alleged to have played a role in the transfer of funds paid by Royal Dutch Shell and Eni to accounts operated by Dan Etete, a former Minister of petroleum and convicted felon.
Others believed to be on the list are: the former Comptroller of Customs, Abdullahi Dikko, former Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team, Abdulrasheed Maina. Both are currently under investigation for fraud and are believed to be hiding in Dubai, UAE.
Furthermore, General Sarki Yarki-Bello and Colonel Bello Fadile are also believed to be on the list. Col. Fadile worked with the office of the National security Adviser, while Gen. Yarki-Bello is a close associate of embattled former NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki, and had previously worked as the Director of Counter Terrorism. Both men are also believed to be hiding in Dubai.
In addition, the former special assistant on Domestic and Social Events to former President Jonathan is on the list of those to be declared wanted by the EFCC. Wanted also by the anti-graft agency is the Director and publisher of ThisDay Newspaper, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena. Obaigbena, according to reports, is to be declared wanted over the N670 million he received from the former NSA.
President Muhammadu Buhari had a few days ago signed a bilateral agreement with the UAE government that will see to the extradition of government officials and other criminals wanted for question and/or prosecution and the return of stolen funds stashed in the UAE.
The agreements signed by Nigeria and the UAE on Tuesday include:
• Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal and Commercial Matters;
• Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement;
• Agreement on Trade Promotion and Protection; and
• Judicial Agreements on Extradition and Transfer of Sentenced Persons.
Among others, these agreements will facilitate the UAE government’s return of Nigeria’s looted funds that are being hidden in the country or invested in its banks and real estate.
