EFCC Seeks INTERPOL’s Help To Arrest Adoke, Others

Mr. Adoke

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) sent the names of individuals suspected to be involved in the $2.1bn arms scandal, along with other economic crimes, to the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) on Wednesday.

According to the EFCC, the commission is seeking INTERPOL’s help to locate suspected criminals who have fled Nigeria. The anti-graft agency requested that INTERPOL inform the EFCC of the whereabouts of certain suspects. In the case of more high-profile suspects, the commission petitioned INTERPOL to arrest them if found. The EFCC will then seek extradition orders for the arrested suspects.

“When you go to court, the court will issue a bench warrant or an order for extradition, which is the paper you will send to the government of the jurisdiction where the persons are,” an EFCC source explained.

One of the most wanted suspects is the former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Bello Adoke. Mr. Adoke fled the country following his involvement in a $2.1bn arms scandal and has refused to cooperate with the EFCC. On Tuesday, a Dutch anti-graft agency searched Mr. Adoke’s residence in collaboration with the EFCC.

Other suspects wanted by the EFCC and INTERPOL include Mahmood Ahmed for his involvement in a N676m immigration job scandal and former Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team Abdulrasheed Maina, who is allegedly connected to a N2bn fraud scheme.