Obanikoro returns to Nigeria, submits to EFCC

Musiliu Obanikoro
Obanikoro

Former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, on Monday arrived Nigeria and is expected to submit himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Obanikoro has been having a running battle with the anti-graft agency on allegations bordering on financial crimes.

He left for the United States shortly after his party lost the 2015 elections and he ceased being a minister.

The EFCC accused him of using his children to take out government contracts that were never executed.

Obanikoro, on a separate charge, was also implicated in the Ekiti elections scandal. It is not immediately clear if he was prepared to answer questions about that, too.

In July, operatives of the Department of State Service (DSS) stormed the Ikoyi residence of Obanikoro, and picked up his wife, Moroofat.

He had initially vowed not to return to the country alleging persecution by the government as a means to discredit him.

It is not immediately clear when he planned to submit himself to the EFCC, but associates have confirmed his arrival.

Obanikoro is expected to be led to the EFCC by Mr. Lawal Pedro and Mr. James Onoja, both Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN).