The former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, whose secret and illegal offshore activities PREMIUM TIMES reported in the ongoing Pandora Papers series, has allegedly been summoned for questioning by the EFCC, Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency.
It is the first known move by enforcement agencies since PREMIUM TIMES commenced reporting influential Nigerians involved in offshore shenanigans exposed through the global Pandora Papers investigation.
It was learnt that the EFCC communicated the invitation to Mr Obi during the week and he has been asked to report at the agency’s Abuja headquarters on October 27, to face investigators.
However, a source at the anti-graft agency said the Pandora Papers revelations only served as a lead for investigators and that “a number of issues” are now being investigated regarding Mr Obi and his offshore dealings.
Apart from Mr Obi; the Acting MD of NPA, Mohammed Bello-Koko, and former minister and serving Senator, Stella Oduah, have been reported in the Pandora Papers series.
Others include: Governor Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi State, Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State as well as his associates including former Lagos Bola Tinubu, and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun. We also reported the offshore links of children of former NSA Sambo Dasuki and billionaire Leno Adesanya.
It was learnt that President Muhammadu Buhari has requested relevant law agencies, including the EFCC, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, and the Code of Conduct Bureau to investigate all Nigerians whose secret, many times suspicious, dealings were exposed in Pandora Papers series.
It is not clear if the EFCC’s action on Mr Obi is connected to President Buhari’s directive.
However, a source said the anti-graft agency’s investigations would be extended to “all persons reported with links to the Pandora Papers.”
“It is an ongoing, gradual process,” the source said, asking not to be identified.
( SaharaReporters)