EFCC Moves To Prosecute Former SGF, Babachir Lawal

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has made moves to prosecute former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, over alleged conspiracy, breach of trust and stealing of Internally Displaced People’s (IDPs) funds.

Naija News recalls that Lawal was relieved of his duty as the SGF, over allegations that he looted the funds of the Presidential Initiative on the North East (PINE) through front companies. However, he has consistently maintained his innocence and denied the allegations.

According to ThisDay, The anti-graft agency has the report of an investigation against Mr. Lawal to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN,

The report also includes draft charges the EFCC considered appropriate for the ex-SGF to face in the event the federal government decides to give him the opportunity to clear his name in the court of law.

President Muhammadu Buhari had on October 30 last year accepted the recommendations of the report of a panel, headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, which investigated allegations of corruption against Lawal and a former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ayodele Oke. Before then, the Presidency had suspended Lawal, who, when told that he had been suspended, made the now famous reaction, “who is the Presidency?”

The statement issued by the Presidency announcing Lawal’s removal from office had read, “President Muhammadu Buhari has studied the report of the panel headed by the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), which investigated allegations against the suspended Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, and the Director General, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ayodele Oke.