Date Published: 07/19/10

NUJ Bribery Scandal: EFCC may invite State Officers over money laundering allegations...

There are indications that the Nigeria Union Of Journalists (NUJ) quartet recently freed by kidnappers, may be invited by the EFCC to explain the huge cash in their possession,  allegedly stolen by their captors.

This is coming on the heels of speculations that the NUJ officials got more than they were willing to disclose to members.

In as much as no law was broken by the state as it only redeemed its pledge, and responded to demands made by the NUJ officials, the NUJ is faced with a moral burden and litany of questions as to why they decided to move the cash and not deposit it in a bank in Uyo.

Some members argue that since the quartet claims they were representing the state, with Oba present, they would have deposited the cash in the Lagos council’s account.

They are Wahab Oba, Adolphus Okonkwo, Slyva Okere and Sola Oyeyipo.The state officials were abducted on their way from a National Executive Committee (NEC)  meeting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Shortly after their release, Oba who is the Lagos state council chairman said about N2.5 million cash was stolen from them by the kidnappers. According to him, the Akwa Ibom state Government gave them N1million as part of an earlier pledge to sponsor a seminar, and N100,000 to each official as transport fare back to Lagos. He also disclosed that there were loads of cash in their possession all amounting to N2.5 million

Oba also made a curious disclosure when he tried to explain the extra cash “ I had some other monies on me, you know I have been travelling” This gives credence to the fact that Oba had been allegedly going around in the name of the NUJ to pick up gratis from politicians.

The anti-money laundering statutes forbids individuals from ferrying around cash that is more than N500,000, while corporate entities cannot move around cash in excess of N2 million.

In a telephone interview with Pointblanknews.com, Monday evening, EFCC spokesman, Femi Babafemi said if it is proven that the law was broken, the agency would take action.

According to him” the law is clear on how much you can move around in cash. If you want to move more that required you have to convert it into a money instrument. Asan individual you cant move more than N500,000, while companies cannot go beyond N2 million”

He however said “ it could be difficult to pin it on an individual officer, but if we get a legitimate petition we will see if the law has been broken”

Pointblanknews.com learnt that the NUJ officials decided to move the cash to ensure other members do not get to know about the largesse.