THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested former Director General of the Department of State Service (DSS) Ita Ekpenyog, who has been under investigation for alleged complicity in the $2.1 billion arms deal scandal.
Ekpenyong, who was in charge of the DSS between 2010 and 2015, has been on the radar of the EFCC for some time but he had enjoyed protection from Lawal Daura, the immediate past DSS boss who was sacked on Tuesday by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo.
In November last year, when EFCC operatives went to arrest Ekpenyong, men of the DSS stationed at his residence refused to allow them access to the premises, leading to a standoff that almost degenerated to physical violence.
However, reports on Wednesday say Ekpenyong’s home located at the Asokoro area of Abuja was raided by men of the EFCC. “There was a heavy presence of armed police officers on both entrances to the street as well as by the house. Hilux security vehicles were also parked close to the house,” Premium Times reported.
The Punch reports that Ekpenyong was later arrested.
Another former head of a security agency who was shielded from prosecution by Lawal Daura, was Ayodele Oke, ex-Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), who was removed from office in connection with the millions of billions of naira recovered from a residential home in the highbrow area of Ikoyi, Lagos.
Oke claimed that the monies were part of funds approved for the NIA by former President Goodluck Jonathan, to enable them carry out certain “covet operations”. DSS operatives also prevented EFCC from arresting him.
Thursday’s raid of ita Ekpenyong’s residence was reportedly sanctioned by acting President Yemi Osinbajo.
More details later….