EFCC To Commence New Stage Of $2.1bn Arms Deal Probe

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is reportedly to start the second round of investigation into the scandalous $2.1 billion arms deal on January 3.

The Nation reports with reference to its sources that the agency will consider money expenditure on security vehicles for the Republic of Niger from October 2013 and April 2014.

The body is also to question the former finance minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and some military leaders who served under Goodluck Jonathan’s administration in connection with the $2.1 billion arms deal.

One of the sources said that the completion of the second phase of the probe might lead to more arrests, as had previously happened with Jonathan’s national security adviser Sambo Dasuki.

“We are beginning the second phase of the ongoing investigation of the $2.1 billion arms deals on Monday. From the preliminary findings, the scandal is mind-boggling.

“We are going to question more high-profile serving and former public officers, including a former minister of finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on the release of some funds.

“We want the ex-minister to shed more light on how about $322 million was disbursed to the Office of the national security adviser (ONSA).