DSS Nabs Member of Presidential C’ttee on Arms Procurement over Alleged Fraud

• Accused of fronting for some high-level govt officials

Senator Iroegbu in Abuja

The Department of State Service (DSS) has arrested a member of the Presidential Investigative Committee on Arms Procurement, Air Commodore Umar Muhammed (rtd), for alleged fraudulent deals involving top government officials.

A reliable source alleged that Muhammed was said to be fronting for some high ranking officials within the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and security agencies to carry out unwholesome activities.

“Air Commodore Umar Muhammed (rtd) is a member of the arms procurement committee, and there are speculations that he is the one fronting for some members of the committee. He is rumoured to be fronting for high ranking officials in the EFCC and ONSA,” the source alleged.

Based on a tip off, men of the Department of State Security (DSS) on Sunday night raided his residence at No. 4 Lundi Close Off Mississipi Street in Maitama, Abuja.

According to the source, DSS operatives, after a five-hour search, found and seized the sum of $1.5 million in cash and various high-end cars.

The house was virtually deserted monday night when THISDAY visited the residence, which was earlier said to be cordoned off.

“The DSS cordoned off his house in Maitama, where he is believed to be having meeting at the time they swooped on the residence and searched his house at about 5p.m. on Sunday and did not leave until about 10p.m. where they found so much incriminating evidence.

“After the search at his Maitama residence, the sum of $1.5 million cash was discovered and about 18 luxury cars were taken away including Rolls Royce, Ferrari, Buggatti and many others,” the source claimed.
The source also revealed that the suspect usually uses No. 1 Gado Nasko Street, Asokoro “where he allegedly defrauds people.”

At the time of filling this report, Muhammed was still being held at the DSS detention centre in Abuja.
Muhammed, who is said to be the Chairman of EasyJets Nigeria, is one of the 13 members of the Presidential Arms Procurement Investigative Panel set up by President Muhammadu Buhari in August last year under the supervision of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

Membership of the Panel as was constituted by ONSA include: Air Vice Marshal J.O.N. Ode (rtd.) – President, Rear Admiral J.A. Aikhomu (rtd.) – Member, Rear Admiral E. Ogbor (rtd.) – Member, Brig Gen L. Adekagun (rtd.) – Member, Brig Gen M. Aminu-Kano (rtd.) – Member, Brig Gen N. Rimtip (rtd.) – Member, Commodore T.D. Ikoli – Member, Air Commodore U. Mohammed (rtd.) – Member, Air Commodore I. Shafi’i – Member, Col A.A. Ariyibi – Member, Group Capt C.A. Oriaku (rtd.) – Member, Mr. Ibrahim Magu (EFCC) – Member, and
Brig Gen Y.I. Shalangwa – Secretary