Magu: Jonathan Blocked $2.1 Billion Arms Deal Funds for Campaigns

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Magu's Explanation
• Book Details
• Tensions within the PDP
• Investigations and Reactions
• Buhari's Orders

Former acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, has provided insights into why ex-President Goodluck Jonathan was not summoned for questioning regarding the contentious $2.1 billion arms deal.

Magu stated that EFCC records indicated the funds in question were “not officially sanctioned for campaign purposes,” based on memos and documents examined by investigators.

This disclosure is found in a book titled From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, authored by Dr. Charles Omole and launched at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The book outlines the life of the late former president, his military service, and his political journey.

Omole emphasized that the management of the arms funds created significant friction within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with numerous party leaders being called in for questioning over the alleged misappropriation of public funds.

He observed that internal power struggles within the government led some observers to regard former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki, as a “co-president” alongside Jonathan.

“Reports indicated that tensions simmered between NSA Dasuki and Defence Minister Aliyu Gusau, as procurement authority and other essential functions shifted towards the NSA, prompting some to perceive Dasuki as a ‘co-president’ with Jonathan,” Omole noted.

The book also suggests that the investigations disturbed prominent PDP figures. Former PDP national chairman, Adamu Mu’azu, reportedly went into hiding, while then-party spokesman Olisa Metuh allegedly refused to return N400 million paid to a company associated with him.

“By January, former PDP national chairman Adamu Mu’azu was sought for questioning but was evading authorities. Former PDP spokesman Olisa Metuh stated he would prefer to starve than refund the money; he was subsequently arrested,” Omole remarked.

Other individuals mentioned include former NIMASA head Patrick Akpobolokemi, who was arrested, jumped bail, and was later rearrested.

Six PDP zonal chairmen reportedly asserted they were unaware of the origins of the campaign funds they received.

Omole noted that Magu later explained that Jonathan was not invited for questioning because the investigation documents did not directly connect him to the approval of campaign funds.

“He (Magu) expressed concern over how well-funded legal defenses delay cases, noting that politicians who misappropriate ‘N10 billion’ reserve ‘N5 billion’ for legal battles, hire prominent advocates, and take advantage of any investigative loopholes,” he added.

The book also mentions that numerous senior PDP members accused the EFCC of conducting witch-hunts as case files continued to accumulate.

Omole further disclosed that President Buhari instructed the EFCC to investigate 17 active and retired military officers following recommendations from the Military Procurement Audit Committee.

Several Air Force officers were interrogated, including the late Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, who was later charged with money laundering and corruption, including accusations of using N1.4 billion in Air Force funds to purchase a mansion in Abuja.

The second report from the audit committee also identified 21 companies for EFCC investigation due to questionable contracts related to the Air Force and the NSA, citing ambiguous costs and transfers of public funds for unspecified purposes.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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