Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06ABUJA1015
2006-05-05 06:20:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Abuja
Cable title:
ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIMES COMMISSION
how-toThis record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available. 050620Z May 06
UNCLAS ABUJA 001015
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
DEPT FOR CA/VO - TONY EDSON
DEPT ALSO FOR CA/FPP, DS/CR/ICI/VF
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KFRD CVIS PREL AMGT NI
SUBJECT: ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIMES COMMISSION
INVESTIGATES MFA
REF: 0897 ABUJA
UNCLAS ABUJA 001015
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
DEPT FOR CA/VO - TONY EDSON
DEPT ALSO FOR CA/FPP, DS/CR/ICI/VF
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KFRD CVIS PREL AMGT NI
SUBJECT: ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIMES COMMISSION
INVESTIGATES MFA
REF: 0897 ABUJA
1. SUMMARY. The investigation started by the Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at post's request appears
to be winding down. They have arrested the MFA's courier
and apparently believe that there was no other involvement
at the MFA. Post finds this to be a dubious claim and
Legatt is pressing them on this point. END SUMMARY
2. At post's request, the EFCC initiated an investigation
into recent diplomatic note fraud at the MFA. On Tuesday,
April 25 the EFCC apprehended Joseph Utin, an MFA courier.
According to the EFCC, Mr. Utin altered and/or created
completely new diplomatic notes and delivered them to the
embassy. He is still in custody awaiting arraignment.
3. The EFCC also questioned the acting Deputy Director Sani
Bala and the former Director T. Shodipo of the MFA's
consular and immigration division. They both stated they
were unaware of the actions of the courier. In a recent
conversation, Mr. Bala indicated that as a matter of routine
practice he would soon be rotating out of his current
position.
4. Based on information obtained from the arrested courier,
the investigation has turned toward non-governmental
personnel. The EFCC is investigating a travel agency.
Later this week, Legatt intends to demarche the EFCC
Chairman on the outcome of the investigation, which appears
to have been influenced in some way.
5. COMMENT. Due to the scope of the fraud, post is not
convinced that Mr. Utin was the only government employee
involved. Post also suspects Mr. Bala's pending
reassignment may not be routine, as he suggested. The DCM
and a consular officer will meet with Bala and his chief,
Dr. Opalah, on May 8 to explain to them the extent of the
fraud that has been committed and the fact that we will be
requiring many applicants for A and G visas to come in for
interviews.
CAMPBELL
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
DEPT FOR CA/VO - TONY EDSON
DEPT ALSO FOR CA/FPP, DS/CR/ICI/VF
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KFRD CVIS PREL AMGT NI
SUBJECT: ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIMES COMMISSION
INVESTIGATES MFA
REF: 0897 ABUJA
1. SUMMARY. The investigation started by the Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at post's request appears
to be winding down. They have arrested the MFA's courier
and apparently believe that there was no other involvement
at the MFA. Post finds this to be a dubious claim and
Legatt is pressing them on this point. END SUMMARY
2. At post's request, the EFCC initiated an investigation
into recent diplomatic note fraud at the MFA. On Tuesday,
April 25 the EFCC apprehended Joseph Utin, an MFA courier.
According to the EFCC, Mr. Utin altered and/or created
completely new diplomatic notes and delivered them to the
embassy. He is still in custody awaiting arraignment.
3. The EFCC also questioned the acting Deputy Director Sani
Bala and the former Director T. Shodipo of the MFA's
consular and immigration division. They both stated they
were unaware of the actions of the courier. In a recent
conversation, Mr. Bala indicated that as a matter of routine
practice he would soon be rotating out of his current
position.
4. Based on information obtained from the arrested courier,
the investigation has turned toward non-governmental
personnel. The EFCC is investigating a travel agency.
Later this week, Legatt intends to demarche the EFCC
Chairman on the outcome of the investigation, which appears
to have been influenced in some way.
5. COMMENT. Due to the scope of the fraud, post is not
convinced that Mr. Utin was the only government employee
involved. Post also suspects Mr. Bala's pending
reassignment may not be routine, as he suggested. The DCM
and a consular officer will meet with Bala and his chief,
Dr. Opalah, on May 8 to explain to them the extent of the
fraud that has been committed and the fact that we will be
requiring many applicants for A and G visas to come in for
interviews.
CAMPBELL