EFCC Arrests Raymond Dokpesi Over N2.1Billion Arms Purchase Scandal

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) shortly after noon yesterday arrested Africa Independent Television AIT boss, Chief Raymond Dokpesi.
Dokpesi is said to have been arrested over alleged theft of N2.1billion from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and in connection with the spreading arms purchase scandal.
Dokpesi was taken in for interrogation in connection with the spreading arms purchase Scandal which also involves the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.
SaharaRerporters reports that on the instructions of, Dasuki Sambo, the former NSA, the CBN paid N2.1billion to the AIT chairman.

The Head of Media in the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, told Channels Television that Chief Dokpesi was arrested in connection with money disbursed from the office of the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.

He said that there was no explanation about what the money was meant for and it was pathetic that the office of the NSA was used as “a warehouse to dish out money to people”.

Meanwhile, the PDP in a statement issued by it National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh said;

The military style of pronouncement of guilt on Chief Dokpesi before any fair hearing, betrays the fact that he is a victim of political persecution and mob trial by the APC government because of his association with the PDP.
“While the PDP is not against the war against corruption, we insist that the crusade must be carried out within the limits of the law and not as a guise to persecute and torture opposition elements in the country.

“Our fear is that with the pronouncement of guilt even without being giving the opportunity within his rights as a citizen to state his own side of the story, the President Buhari-led government is sidestepping the laws to ensure that Chief Dokpesi does not get justice in the court, a plot which they want to extend to other PDP leaders.

“The PDP therefore demands an open and public trial of all those arrested so that all issues and charges against them as well as their defence therein would also be in the public domain. We demand a proper investigation and lawful prosecution instead of the reprehensible resort to outright political persecution, which can only have a place in a military regime.

“We also note that this development may not be unconnected with the planned onslaught against the media, following its commitment in holding this dictatorial regime accountable since it took office.

“Finally, we call on the international community and rights bodies worldwide to note the growing impunity and gross violation of human rights by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government tailored to decimate the opposition and cow the media in Nigeria.”