Buhari bans 50 high profile Nigerians from leaving the country

President Muhammadu Buhari has banned 50 prominent Nigerians suspected of corruption from travelling abroad.

Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, said the development is part of steps being taken to enforce the executive order 6 recently signed by the president.

He said the Nigerians affected by the executive order have been placed under watch list and are restricted from travelling pending the determination of their cases.

“Also, the financial transactions of these persons of interest are being monitored by the relevant agencies to ensure that the assets are not dissipated and such persons do not interfere with, nor howsoever corrupt the investigation and litigation processes,” he said in a statement issued Saturday.

According to Shehu, the president has also mandated Abubakar Malami, attorney-general of the federation, to implement the executive order “in full force”.

“To this end, a number of enforcement procedures are currently in place by which the Nigeria Immigration Service and other security agencies have placed no fewer than 50 high profile persons directly affected by EO6 on watch-list and restricted them from leaving the county pending the determination of their cases,” he said.

“The Buhari administration reassures all well-meaning and patriotic Nigerians of its commitment to the fight against corruption, in accordance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the general principles of the Rule of Law.

“Accordingly, this administration will uphold the rule of law in all its actions and the right of citizens would be protected as guaranteed by the Constitution.

“We, therefore, enjoin all Nigerians to cooperate with the law enforcement authorities towards ensuring a successful implementation of the Executive Order 6 which is a paradigm-changing policy of the Federal Government in the fight against corruption.”