Yielding to loud calls for prosecution, Presidency says Buhari ‘expects’ EFCC, ICPC to go after Lawal, Oke

Following widespread calls for the prosecution of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, and former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ayo Oke, the Presidency on Monday said the nation’s security and anti-corruption agencies were free to go after the sacked officials.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists.

The statement read, “The President has taken the administrative action. All other actions will be taken by relevant government agencies.

“The position of the President, therefore, is that investigation agencies which have already commenced the investigation of the two officers removed from office will go on with their work of investigation without any interference or hindrance.

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“The President who is fully conversant with the provisions of the constitution will not stop the investigation of anyone because he has no such power under our laws. This is a decision of the Supreme Court.

“The President under our laws can, through the Attorney General enters a nolle prosequi to stop an on-going trial. He may upon conviction, order a pardon.

“Beyond these, the president cannot order investigation agencies to not investigate anyone and does not intend to do in this, or any other circumstance.

“Based on his wish and desire for a strict observance of the law, the President expects the EFCC, ICPC and such agencies to proceed with ongoing investigations.

“When and where they have reasonable grounds to charge former or serving officers to court under our laws, they do not require the permission of the President to do so.”