$40m Pipeline Security Contract : EFCC, Lawyer Bicker over Azibaola’s Detention

Adebiyi Adedapo in Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained human rights lawyer, Azibaola Roberts, for an alleged complicity in a multi-million dollar oil pipeline security contract.

Azibaola, who is a close ally of former president Goodluck Jonathan, was on 23rd March arrested for allegedly diverting public funds through his company, One-plus Holdings, and its sister company, Kakatar Construction and Engineering Company Limited.

One-plus Holdings was paid $40m by the detained former National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Sambo Dasuki (retd.) for oil pipelines security contract.

Counsel to Azibaola, Gordy Uche, SAN, accused the anti-graft commission of vendetta, noting that his client is being persecuted because of his DNA as a cousin to the former president.

The lawyer noted that a contract matter between the federal government and a corporate organization is a civil matter and ought to be treated as one.

“If the NSA has a civil complaint against our client for ‘breach of contract’ and wants refunds of monies, the best thing to do is to file a civil complaint and allow an impartial judge to determine the case on merit,” he said.

EFCC’s spokesperson, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, while reacting to the allegations, disclosed that the anti-graft commission had secured a court order to detain the suspect until investigations are concluded.

MORE TO FOLLOW