N40bn Fraud: EFCC Seizes N2bn Mansion from Former Customs DG, Abdullahi Dikko; Obanikoro’s Son Mocks Invitation

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has seized a N2 billion mansion allegedly owned by a former comptroller-general of the Nigeria Customs Service, Abdullahi Dikko.

According to The Punch, newsmen who visited the mansion located at 1 Audu Ogbe Street, Jabi, Abuja, on Saturday observed EFCC inscriptions on the fence. The words painted in red, boldly read, “EFCC, Keep off.”

Dikko submitted himself to the EFCC for questioning on Thursday to answer questions about an allegation of diverting N40bn from the coffers of the NCS. He has remained in custody since then.

A source at the anti-graft commission said, “The EFCC Act Section 71 (B) gives us the power to commence investigations into the property of any person if it appears to the EFCC that the person’s lifestyle and extent of properties are not justified by law. Section 28 says for those arrested under the Act, the commission will immediately trace and attach all the assets and seizures of such a person which had been acquired

“Section 29 permits the assets of a person arrested under Section 28 to be seized by the state. Dikko was a customs officer and served for about 30 years. He has to explain where he got the money to buy a mansion of N2bn.”

Dikko, it was learnt, had been on the radar of the EFCC for several months but his whereabouts remained unknown.

Meanwhile, Babajide Obanikoro, a son of former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, has hinted that he will not honour the invitation of the EFCC.

EFCC operatives had stormed Babajide’s home last week and seized the property located at 10, Mojisola Street, off Banana Island Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.

In a letter addressed to Babajide and his brother, Gbolahan, the commission asked the brothers to appear before Hamza Abdulahi, an EFCC investigator, on June 22, 2016 by 10am at 30A Harper Crescent, Zone 7, Abuja.

However, Babajide, who is in the United States along with his parents, siblings and other members of his family, slammed the EFCC for the invitation.

In a Facebook post, Babajide wrote, “After they illegally searched my house, stole my car and other things, they now invite me four days later for an interview. I’m coming ooo (sic) wait.”

It will be recalled that N4.75bn was traced to a company, Sylvan McNamara Limited, in which Obanikoro’s sons have interests.

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