NEWS DIGEST – SIX senior directors in the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) have been suspended following ongoing probe of alleged N2.5 billion fraud by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The affected directors were suspended by the Board of NEMA, which is headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
A statement by the Head, Media and Public Relations (NEMA) Sani Datti said the board has also directed the management of NEMA to cooperate fully with the EFCC.
The statement said: “The Board of NEMA has suspended six directors of the agency indefinitely.
“The suspension of the affected officials by the newly-inaugurated board was in connection with the ongoing probe of the finances of NEMA by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
“The financial years being reviewed by the anti-graft agency are from 2011 to 2015.
“Those placed on suspension are the Director of Finance and Accounts, Akinbola Hakeem Gbolahan; Ag. Director, Special Duties, Mr. Umesi Emenike; Director, Risk Reduction, Mallam Alhassan Nuhu; Pilot in-charge Air Ambulance and Aviation Unit, Mr. Mamman Ali Ibrahim; the Chief Maintenance Officer, Mr. Ganiyu Yunusa Deji; and the Director of Welfare, Mr. Kanar Mohammed.
“The EFCC had in a report to the Presidency recommended the disciplinary measure in order to enable it to conduct unhindered investigation and have access to vital records.
“Based on the EFCC’s recommendation, the Board of NEMA approved the suspension and directed the management to give effect to its decision.
“The Board also mandated the management of NEMA to cooperate fully with the EFCC in the ongoing probe.”
The Nation had exclusively reported that the EFCC implicated a former Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the six directors in the alleged N2.5billion fraud.
The EFCC’s report had identified some alleged sharp practices in NEMA, including the following:
• Whereabouts of N166 million of N285 million realised from the commercialisation of NEMA’s air ambulance;
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• Alleged short-change of Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) with N354,900,105. 24;
• N238 million NEMA cash placed in Fixed Deposit by a director;
• Interest on Fixed Deposit diverted single-handedly by a director;
• Some directors have about five to 20 accounts;
• NEMA funds moved into personal accounts of directors;
• Frivolous emoluments claims that were wrongly processed by Directors and some officials of the agency;
• About N66 million out of N280 million meant for displaced traditional rulers in the Northeast still unaccounted for; and
• Curious deposit of suspicious funds into domiciliary accounts of top directors.
The report said in part: “From the investigation carried out so far, officials could not account for funds transferred from NEMA account to their personal accounts.
“Moreover, the funds were being withdrawn in cash and in some cases transferred to family members. Also, it was discovered that some of these funds were placed in fixed deposit; while both the principal and interest were withdrawn in cash by the depositor.
“Furthermore, the issue of companies incorporated by the officials of NEMA who are Public Servants is against the Public Service Rules. This is more so as the companies are active and still receiving funds in some cases from NEMA.
“There were frivolous emoluments claims that were wrongly processed by Directors and some officials of the agency.
“Against this background, EFCC is of the opinion that placing the officials involved under suspension will assist the successful completion of our investigation. ” This is the only way the commission can have unfettered access to all the necessary documents that will aid our investigation. It is therefore recommended that the Officials who are already indicted in the case be placed on suspension pending the conclusion of the investigation.
“The aspect of fake IDP camps and relief materials are still being investigated. Investigation is still on-going and further developments will be communicated.”
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