Dasukigate: Quiet shake up in Air force

The dust raised by the scandal of the alleged mis-appropriation of $2.1 billion meant for arms procurement is yet to settle, and more victims have been caught in the web of intrigues of the scam, as the Nigerian Air Force has quietly taken steps against its officers fingered in the scandal.

The Air Force in attempts to clean its stable has fired some officers indicted in the scam, while others were redeployed and some placed under house arrest pending conclusion of investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

Those gathered to be under house arrest at Niger Barracks, Abuja include four senior officers, Air Vice Marshals, AVMs, and Commodores.

A list of new postings released by Director of Air Force Public relations, Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa Thursday, gave the names of the new Air Officers Commanding (AOCs) as AVMs Emmanuel Akogu and Emmanuel Agwungwu who now head the mobility command, Yenagoa; and Tactical Air Command, Makurdi respectively. Agwungwu takes over from Air Vice Marshal R.A Ojuawo who is facing EFCC interrogation.

Read also: $2.1bn arms deal: EFCC picks up Jonathan’s ADC

The NAF announced the redeployment of 66 senior officers, comprising 22 Air Vice Marshals; 34 Air Commodores, seven Group Captains and three Wing Commanders. Those affected by the new deployment include two branch chiefs, two Air Officers Commanding, AOCs, and one commandant.

AVM Ojuawo, was arrested by EFCC operatives on Tuesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on his way to Germany. It was also gathered that a former service chief, who was allowed to go home the first time he was invited, had been detained since Wednesday when he was re-invited and may be detained for up to two more weeks, following approval by the courts for his continued detention.

The Director of Military Intelligence, Brig-General Mohammed Sa’ad, who had been facing interrogation by the EFCC was removed over alleged connection with the arms scam. It was gathered that he was quietly eased out by the military to enable him clear himself with the anti-crime agency.

 

 

RipplesNigeria …without borders, without fears

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now