The probe of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Engineer Babachir Lawal, and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ayo Oke, will be conducted behind closed door.
This information was released by the Presidency over the weekend.
President Muhammad Buhari earlier in the week set up the panel headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to probe the involvement of Lawal in a grass cutting contract under the Presidential Initiative on the North East and Oke for his agency’s involvement in the N13 billion cash found in a Lagos flat.
Other members of the committee are the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; and the National Security Adviser, retired Major General Babagana Munguno.
The panel in a statement from the office of the Vice President said it has started its work but will be sitting behind closed door during the 14 days given it to accomplish the assignment.
The statement reads in full:
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.
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.
Packaged by Alice Egbedele
