Absence of witness delays probe of House’s N9billion scam

The EFCC chairperson, Farida Waziri

Nigerians hoping to see the outcome of investigations into the N9 billion scandal in the House of Representatives, may have to wait a little longer.

Investigations by NEXT indicate that the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which are both investigating the allegations, may have hit a brick wall and may not conclude investigations anytime soon.

“Though our investigations are ongoing, we are presently stuck at some point, but we will ensure we complete our investigations,” a senior official of the ICPC close to the investigation said at the weekend.

Indications are that the cause of the ‘temporary halt’ mentioned by the ICPC source involves a man believed to be behind the companies that received the inflated contract. The man, who is believed to have fled to England, is being trailed by the anti-corruption agencies.

“Already, we have confirmed that there was inflation of prices in the contract. But, the man central to the companies that secured the contracts escaped to the UK when we wanted to bring him in,” an ICPC investigator told NEXT.

The investigator, who declined to mention the suspect’s name, explained that the commission might seek the man’s extradition if he fails to return to the country to explain his role in the scandal.

The fraud allegation started in the House of Representatives when some members accused the speaker, Dimeji Bankole and the house leadership of mismanaging N9 billion of the N11 billion capital vote received by the house between 2008 and 2009.

The legislators, who called themselves “the progressives” and led by Dino Melaye, addressed a press statement on June 16, 2010 during which they gave Mr Bankole one week to resign or be removed.

The legislators, who also called for a probe of the house finances, further accused Mr. Bankole of authorizing “a spurious, vexatious, and reckless expenditure profile at a time when there is so much economic hardship.”

In other to prove that they were right with their accusations, “the progressives” submitted their petition and accusations to the EFCC and ICPC for investigation.

Inflated Purchases

Some of the items the “progressives” accuse Mr. Bankole of purchasing at inflated prices include torchlights, which have a market price of less than N2000 per unit, at N18000 each and 400 units of Samsung 40 inches LCD television sets, which cost N160,000, but were purchased at a unit price of N525, 000. Others are the purchase of 800 units of HP Desktop computers, which cost N160,000 but were purchased at N330,000; and sharp digital photocopy machines (model 5316), purchased at N270,000 as against N160,000.

“The progressives” also accused the house leadership of wasteful expenditure in the purchase of seven SUV cars for Mr. Bankole and his deputy, Bayero Nafada.

When contacted to give the official position on the status of their investigations, the spokesmen of the two agencies gave similar positions.

“We are on it. Our investigations are ongoing,” said Folu Olamiti, the resident media consultant of the ICPC, who refused to give further comments. Femi Babafemi, the EFCC spokesman asked this reporter to call back to confirm the status of the case but efforts to contact him later were unsuccessful.

Even the judiciary stalls

In the heat of the allegations by “the progressives”, the House of Representatives suspended Mr. Melaiye and 10 other members indefinitely, following a rowdy and violent session.

The suspended members, however, approached the court demanding a reversal of their suspension and that their arrears since their suspension be paid in full. After listening to the arguments of both parties, Muhammed Adamu, judge of the federal high court Abuja who is presiding over the matter announced that the judgement would be delivered on November 15.

After two postponements however, Mr. Adamu is yet to give his ruling. The case has now been adjourned to December 2 for ruling on the legality or otherwise of the legislators’ suspension.

Two of the eleven members who were suspended have been recalled by the House of Representatives. The lawmakers, Ehioge-West Idahosa and Gbenga Onigbogi, withdrew their case from the court and apologized for their actions.
Source:234next.com