Alleged Corruption: Rights Lawyer Petitions Minister, Calls for Suspension of NSCDC Commandant General Audi

Former Special Prosecutor of the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for Recovery of Public Properties, Tosin Ojaomo, has petitioned Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo over an ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into alleged corruption by Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Commandant General Ahmed Audi.

Ojaomo urged the Minister to suspend Audi to ensure a fair and unimpeded investigation process, citing the need to prevent any possible interference. The petition, dated May 15 and made available to NIGERIA NEWS 24/7, was also sent to President Bola Tinubu, Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi, and EFCC Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede.

Ojaomo highlighted that the NSCDC has been under EFCC scrutiny for financial mismanagement, with significant progress made in the investigation. He also mentioned pending allegations of unexplained property acquisition against Audi before the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

The petition was submitted in accordance with Section 8 of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Act, 2003 (as amended) and Section 11 of the Interpretation Act, 2004, which empower the Minister to recommend the appointment and removal of the NSCDC Commandant General.

Ojaomo stated, “We request the immediate suspension of the current Commandant General to allow for an unimpeded investigation into the agency’s financial activities, which occurred under his watch.”

He further mentioned allegations linking Audi to a company, Keltes Security and Consultancy Limited, which allegedly received contracts from Tantita Security Limited, a company under the NSCDC’s supervision.

“In view of these facts, it is in the public’s interest and to protect the office’s integrity to suspend Dr. Abubakar Audi, allowing the EFCC to conduct a thorough and discreet investigation,” Ojaomo concluded.