Corruption Cover-Up: Ex-SPIP Chairman Accuses Buhari’s Government Of Protecting $200 Million Offshore Scandal

Corruption Cover-Up: Ex-SPIP Chairman Accuses Buhari’s Government Of Protecting $200 Million Offshore Scandal

Former Chairman of the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property (SPIP), Okoi Obono-Obla, has accused the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari of shielding a former governor involved in significant financial misconduct.

In an eye-opening interview on the Mic On Podcast, Obono-Obla revealed several high-profile corruption cases that he claimed were ignored by the government, including a case where a former governor allegedly owned offshore properties worth over $200 million.

Obono-Obla expressed frustration with the government’s reluctance to take decisive action against the corrupt practices he uncovered during his tenure. He recounted an incident where the SPIP discovered 80 brand new armoured S-Class Mercedes Benz vehicles, along with multiple houses, farms, and other luxury items in Jabi, which had not been declared for customs duties.

“I wrote to the Federal Inland Revenue Service questioning if taxes were paid on these assets. They confirmed there were no records of tax payments,” Obono-Obla stated.

He noted that his panel took proactive steps to address these issues, obtaining a court order to seize the assets pending further legal action. However, despite these efforts, significant obstacles persisted in holding influential individuals accountable.

Obono-Obla’s tenure at the SPIP ended abruptly when he was dismissed on August 15, 2019, following allegations of financial misconduct, which were investigated by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

His dismissal letter also hinted at potential academic repercussions, mentioning possible actions against his law degree and legal practice credentials.