Tosin Ojaomo, a former Special Prosecutor with the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Properties, has filed a petition with the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. The petition concerns an ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into alleged corruption involving the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Audi.
Ojaomo urges the immediate suspension of Audi to ensure public safety and safeguard the integrity of the investigation, citing the potential for interference if Audi remains in office.
The petition, dated May 15, was addressed to Tunji-Ojo and copied to President Bola Tinubu, Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi, and EFCC Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede. It highlights the NSCDC’s recent scrutiny by the EFCC over financial mismanagement allegations, with significant progress reported by the anti-graft agency.
Additionally, Audi faces accusations of unexplained property acquisitions before the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).
Ojaomo’s petition leverages Section 8 of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Act, 2003 (as amended), and Section 11 of the Interpretation Act, 2004, empowering the minister to recommend appointments and removals from the NSCDC Commandant General’s office.
The petition states: “We are compelled to make this request as the investigation of the agency cannot be thoroughly and discreetly conducted if the current Commandant General of the NSCDC is allowed to continue in office. The financial activities under investigation occurred under the current CG’s watch.
“In the interest of public safety and to safeguard the investigation process, we request the immediate suspension of the current Commandant General of the NSCDC to allow an unfettered investigation into these matters.
“The current Commandant-General’s involvement in the investigation, where a company linked to him, Keltes Security and Consultancy Limited, allegedly received contracts from Tantita Security Limited, which is under the agency’s supervision, raises further concerns. Clarifications from him may be necessary.
“There is also a pending allegation of unexplained property acquisition against him before the Code of Conduct Bureau.
“Given these facts, it is in the public’s interest and to protect the office’s integrity to suspend Dr. Abubakar Audi, the current Commandant-General of the NSCDC, allowing the EFCC to conduct a thorough and discreet investigation into the matter.”
