EFCC arrests former SGF Babachir

Ronald Mutum The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arrested former Secretary to the Federal Government Babachir Lawal.

The Head of the Enlightenment Unit of the EFCC, Sammin Amadin confirmed the arrest last night, noting that Babachir was still in custody and would be held throughout the night until he completed his statements to investigators.

He also said Babachir was held in connection to investigation over his handling of funds related to the Northeast development initiatives, while he was Secretary of the Federal Government.

Daily Trust learnt that Babachir arrived the headquarters of the EFCC as early as 11 am yesterday.

The former SGF was indicted by the Senate in a N220 million contract scam for the removal of wild grass and the provision of 115 hectares of irrigation in Yobe State.

Presenting the report, Senator Shehu Sani said Presidential Initiative on North East (PINE) took undue advantage of the provision of emergency situation to violate the Public Procurement Act, 2007 to over inflate contracts.

“Babachir’s company, Rholavision Engineering Limited was awarded consultancy contract for the removal of the invasive plant species in Yobe state on 8th March, 2016. Although, Engr. Babachir resigned the directorship of the said company in September, 2016, it is on record that he is still the signatory to accounts of the company,” he said.

He said the committee has uncovered that 95 to 100 percent of all contracts awarded by PINE have been paid even as some contracts are yet to be fully executed.

The former SGF was later suspended by President Muhammadu Buhari. A panel set up by the President headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo indicted Babachir and recommended his sack.

President Buhari terminated the appointment of Babachir and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ayo Oke on October 30, 2017.