Probe of SGF, NIA DG to be done behind closed doors, says presidency

The presidential committee set up to investigate suspended secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal and the director general of National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ayodele Oke, will work in closed sessions.

Senior special assistant on media to the vice president, Laolu Akande, in a statement on Saturday, said the committee has chosen to carry out the probe behind closed doors to avoid speculation.

VP Yemi Osinbajo is the head of the three‐man panel set up by President Muhammadu Buhari to probe allegations of violation of due process levelled against Lawal and the discovery of a $13bn by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a house in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The NIA had claimed ownership of the monies which were in three currencies: pounds, dollar and naira.

According to the statement by Akande, all public officials and private individuals connected with the investigation will be invited by the committee.

“The Presidential Committee ordered earlier this week by President Muhammadu Buhari to probe certain allegations against the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Engineer Babachir Lawal, and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, NIA, Mr. Ayo Oke has commenced its work in earnest,” it said.

“President Buhari on Wednesday established the 3-man panel headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, with Attorney-General & Justice Minister, Abubakar Malami and National Security Adviser, Rtd Major General Babagana Munguno as members, to investigate allegations of legal and due process violations made against the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF and the discovery of large amounts of foreign and local currencies by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in a residential apartment in Ikoyi, Lagos.

“In the discharge of its work, the panel is expected to invite all relevant officials and private individuals who may be connected to both cases. It will also obtain and scrutinize documents that may throw some light on the issues raised in both cases. All its proceedings will however be in closed sessions to avoid speculations, allow for full disclosure and enhance the pace of proceedings.

“The panel which is expected to submit its report to the President at the expiration of the 14-day deadline, will conduct it’s work with utmost diligence and without fear or favour.”