Nigeria: ICPC Shielding Arab, Others From Prosecution

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-Leadership(Abuja)

Abuja — The Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is alleged to be shielding the Clerk of the National Assembly, Alhaji Nasir Arab and four officials from investigation over allegations of corrupt practices

A Lagos-based lawyer, Mr. Femi Johnson, had on January 29, 2009, petitioned the ICPC over alleged sharp practices against Arab and the four officials of the National Assembly, including Alhaji Kabir Suleiman (Director of Budget Planning), Engineer Idris Mohammed (Director of Estate and Works), Alhaji Abdulazeez Bukoye (Director of Finance) and Mr James Okorodudu (Head of Accounts).

LEADERSHIP checks revealed that the commission’s chairman has since ordered investigations into the alleged sharp practices contained in a petition against Arab and the other four officials, but a ranking official of the commission has been sabotaging processes that would ensure a smooth sailing investigation into the matter.

“The officer, who is said to be in the legal department of ICPC, allegedly got gratifications from the accused persons through one of their friends and associates”, a source close to ongoing investigation in the matter told our correspondent.

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He further said, “ICPC statement forms were given to the accused persons in their various offices in the National Assembly complex for them to fill instead of inviting them to go and give their statements at the ICPC headquarters as practised. This was done so that journalists in ICPC will not see them. This is illegal and unfair”.

But the ICPC said they are still investigating the clerk about the matter.

Confirming the investigation, the Resident Consultant incharge of Media and Event, Mr. Folu Olamiti, debunked allegation that the commission is trying to sweep the matter under the carpet after the ICPC Chairman, Justice Emmanuel Ayoola, had ordered that the management of the National Assembly should be investigated following a petition brought before it.

“We have not foreclosed the investigation. Those who are misleading people that there are people who are frustrating the investigation know where they got their information from but as I am talking to you, the investigation is on.

“The commission has various processes in conducting investigations. Forms have been distributed to the people concerned in their various offices. After they have filled the forms, the investigative team will now invite them to the commission’s corporate headquarters for further interrogation”, Folu Said

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