“There is so much corruption that it is unlikely the President will manage to tackle all forms of economic crimes and would do well to win the battle on even one front.” Journalist Mohammed Adow — Lagos, Nigeria

Nigeria’s foreign spy chief Ayo Oke has been suspended after anti-corruption officers found more than US $43m in a flat in Lagos. Follow us on Twitter: @INTEL_TODAY

The National Intelligence Agency (NIA), which led by Mr Oke, had laid claim to the money. According to anonymous intelligence officials, the money was kept in the flat for covert operations.

President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered an investigation into how the spy agency headed by Mr. Ayo Oke came into possession of the money.

[NOTE: President Buhari is believed to be very ill. On January 19 2017, Buhari visited the UK to receive medical treatment in London for an undisclosed illness. Although he returned to Nigeria on March 10, he has missed several Cabinet meetings and Friday prayers. Buhari made a rare public appearance for the Friday prayers this week (May 5 2017)]

A three-member panel, led by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, will investigate the cases.

Wise and well-informed observers worry that the investigation could destroy the NIA. They fear the investigators could unmask undercover agents and assets. They also believe that Military officers could take over the Foreign Intelligence Agency.

Nigeria’s foreign spy chief Ayo

Ayo Oke is the current Director General of Nigeria’s National Intelligence Agency (NIA). Oke was appointed by President Goodluck Jonathan on November 7 2013

Oke was previously the Director (Regions) at the headquarters of the NIA, and before that Nigeria’s ambassador to the Commonwealth Secretariat in London. He succeeded Ezekiel Olaniyi Oladeji as director general of Nigeria’s National Intelligence Agency in November 2013. [Wikipedia]

About the National Intelligence Agency (NIA)

The National Intelligence Agency (NIA) is tasked with overseeing foreign intelligence and counterintelligence operations.

Decree Number 19 dissolved the National Security Organization (NSO) and restructured Nigeria’s security services into three separate entities under the Office of the Co-ordinator of National Security:

State Security Service (SSS) – Responsible for domestic intelligence

National Intelligence Agency (NIA) – Responsible for Foreign intelligence and counterintelligence operations

Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) – Responsible for military intelligence.

The first General Director of the NIA was Albert K. Horsfall (1986-1990).

Nigerian corruption agency uncovers $43m in cash

REFERENCES

Nigeria’s Buhari suspends spy chief after $43m found in Lagos — BBC News

Nigeria’s President Buhari appears in public amid health concerns — BBC News

Don’t destroy NIA, Nigeria can’t survive without it – Horsefall, pioneer DG NIA — Vanguard

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President suspends spy chief after a series of corruption scandals