In a shocking turn of events, the top officials at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Nigerian Incentive Risk Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) are experiencing panic and apprehension as an investigation into their activities unfolds. This investigation was initiated by President Bola Tinubu and led by Special Investigator Jim Obazee.
To ensure smooth execution of his assignment, Obazee wrote a letter on August 18 to the Inspector General of Police, requesting the deployment of four senior officers to his office. On September 6, the IGP approved the request, as conveyed in a letter signed by CP Abaniwonda S. Olufemi. The deployed officers include DCP Eloho Edwin Okpoziakpo, CSP Celestine Odo, CSP Segun Aderoju, and DSP Tijani A. Bako.
Already, the preliminary intelligence findings by the investigator's team, led by DCP Eloho Edwin Okpoziakpo, have sent shockwaves through the CBN and NIRSAL management. One focus of the investigation is the revelation of how Anchor Borrowers Funds were being held as fixed deposits by individuals closely associated with the embattled CBN governor.
Further unsettling information has emerged, including an aide of the ex-CBN governor operating a staggering total of 61 bank accounts, comprising 44 fixed deposit accounts and 2 treasury bills accounts.
Aside from the investigation into the alleged mismanagement of the N5.6 billion wheat project in Kano and Jigawa states, sources indicate that the investigators will also look into the suspected allocation of approximately 600,000 Naira per month for the upkeep of the former MD's dogs.
In a distressing development, it has been discovered that files and records at NIRSAL were deliberately destroyed to hinder the ongoing investigation. Among the destroyed office documents, one particularly concerning loss is the contract for the development of the ICT Policy. Financial trails indicate multiple payments made for the same contract, yet the records for this contract have mysteriously vanished from NIRSAL's procurement department. It is now a priority for the investigation team to employ various means to retrieve the necessary contract records and documents in order to get to the root of the matter.
As the investigation progresses, both the CBN and NIRSAL are grappling with rising panic and anxiety. The findings of this probe could have far-reaching consequences for these institutions and the individuals involved.
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