Recovered Loot Returned To Rightful Owners Under President Buhari’s Administration, Says Ex-Presidential Aide

Recovered Loot Returned To Rightful Owners Under President Buhari’s Administration, Says Ex-Presidential Aide

Okoi Obono-Obla, former Chairman of the Special Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property, has accused the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari of mismanaging assets recovered from looters. Speaking on the Mic On Podcast, Obono-Obla claimed that assets worth millions, including 86 armored Mercedes Benz cars recovered from a resident of Jabi, Abuja, were returned to the looters due to bureaucratic hurdles and lack of follow-through by government agencies.

Obono-Obla highlighted frustrations within the administration, particularly with former Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, whom he described as obstructive. Despite efforts to bring looters to justice, including uncovering offshore properties linked to a senator, Obono-Obla alleged that little action was taken following his reports to the President and the Attorney General.

Regarding accusations of corruption in the Buhari administration, Obono-Obla criticized its performance post his and former EFCC Chairman Magu’s tenure, attributing their removals to their rigorous anti-corruption stance, which often clashed with powerful interests.

Obono-Obla’s tenure was marred by controversy, including allegations of falsified academic credentials, leading to his suspension in 2019. He denies these allegations.