Former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, has returned to Nigeria from the United States to honour an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an ongoing investigation into alleged N4.75 billion arms funds.
Obanikoro arrived in Lagos from the United States via Amsterdam and proceeded to Abuja, where he was expected to meet with EFCC officials on Monday to respond to questions relating to the investigation.
Reports said he returned voluntarily after earlier staying outside the country.
The EFCC was investigating Sylvan McNamara Limited, a company linked to Obanikoro’s two sons, Babajide and Gbolahan Obanikoro, over funds allegedly transferred from accounts associated with the Office of the National Security Adviser.
According to the commission, N4.745 billion was paid into the company’s Diamond Bank account in several transactions between April 4 and December 15, 2014. The EFCC said it had documentary evidence relating to the transactions.
The investigation formed part of the wider probe into the alleged diversion of funds meant for arms procurement during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Obanikoro had denied wrongdoing, while his media aide maintained that the allegations against the former minister and his family had not been established.
Upon his arrival in Abuja, Obanikoro headed to the EFCC office to honour the scheduled appointment and answer questions from investigators.
Reports at the time indicated that the former minister was subsequently detained by the commission for further questioning as investigators continued examining the transactions under investigation.
Further details of the meeting and the outcome of the EFCC interrogation were expected to emerge as the investigation progressed.
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