The problems of former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi
Babangida, seems to be growing by the day as American authorities
have joined efforts to determine whether he has money, businesses
or property located anywhere in the world.
The American involvement, Daily Sun learnt, was at the invitation
of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The investigation covers the European Union (EU) countries,
Asia and Latin America. Officials of the EFCC, who are already
in Washington DC, say the collaboration is part of an agreement
between U.S law enforcement agencies and Nigeria in the areas
of corruption, transparency and good government.
Aso Rock is reported to have signed on the American involvement
as part of an on going probe of all serving and former Nigerian
officials, who have indicated their intention to contest elective
offices next year.
Sources said the international search is also a continuation
of the probe into Babandida’s finances that began with
the arrest of his son and search of the offices of a telecommunication
outfit, Globacom. American officials said their probe would
cover “all known associates of the former military ruler
and their businesses.” Already the EFCC has compiled
a list of officials who served under Babangida, which they
have handed over to Washington. “These officials and
relations are under a travel watch and may have their travel
or residence papers revoked if they are found to have broken
any laws,” a top State Department official stated.
Daily Sun also learnt that the American government is also
updating its list of current and serving Nigerian officials
who will be banned from entering the U.S and EU in the event
of an anticipated crackdown by Nigerian authorities. “We
have been informed that as a run-up to the election, Nigerian
authorities will broaden their crackdown on those suspected
to have questionable sources of wealth to ensure they do not
use it to subvert the will of the electorate, “a law
enforcement official said. He said the U.S and its allies
would not be a haven for corrupt Nigerian officials”
running away from justice.”