Posted by By JAMIE DOMINICS The Sun Reporter, Washington DC on
The problems of former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, seems to be growing by the day as American authorities have joined efforts to determine whether he has money, businesses or property located anywhere in the world.
The problems of former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, seems to be growing by the day as American authorities have joined efforts to determine whether he has money, businesses or property located anywhere in the world.
The American involvement, Daily Sun learnt, was at the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The investigation covers the European Union (EU) countries, Asia and Latin America. Officials of the EFCC, who are already in Washington DC, say the collaboration is part of an agreement between U.S law enforcement agencies and Nigeria in the areas of corruption, transparency and good government.
Aso Rock is reported to have signed on the American involvement as part of an on going probe of all serving and former Nigerian officials, who have indicated their intention to contest elective offices next year.
Sources said the international search is also a continuation of the probe into Babandida's finances that began with the arrest of his son and search of the offices of a telecommunication outfit, Globacom. American officials said their probe would cover 'all known associates of the former military ruler and their businesses." Already the EFCC has compiled a list of officials who served under Babangida, which they have handed over to Washington. 'These officials and relations are under a travel watch and may have their travel or residence papers revoked if they are found to have broken any laws," a top State Department official stated.
Daily Sun also learnt that the American government is also updating its list of current and serving Nigerian officials who will be banned from entering the U.S and EU in the event of an anticipated crackdown by Nigerian authorities. 'We have been informed that as a run-up to the election, Nigerian authorities will broaden their crackdown on those suspected to have questionable sources of wealth to ensure they do not use it to subvert the will of the electorate, 'a law enforcement official said. He said the U.S and its allies would not be a haven for corrupt Nigerian officials" running away from