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Ex-NSA, Others Liable For Trial over Fraudulent N3 billion Security Contract

By on November 26, 2012

A Maritime security Patrol Boat

 

A former National Security Adviser (NSA) may be charged very soon before a court for alleged mismanagement of a N3 billion security contract in the maritime sector of the economy.

It was learnt yesterday that the former National Security Adviser (NSA), some businesspersons, and officials of the Presidential Implementation Committee on Maritime Security (PICOMSS) are likely to be charged for failing to deliver on the contract for the supply of 20 units of K-38 patrol boats to the Army.

Already investigations into the matter, now referred to as “contract scandal,” are said to have been concluded by the State Security Service (SSS) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).

A source, who begged for anonymity said, “From the outcome of the investigation so far, six people, including a former National Security Adviser, may face conspiracy charges on the contract.

“The report of the investigative team will be forwarded by the NSA to the appropriate quarters for legal advice.”

Some of them did not appear before the investigative panel. The legal advice will decide on their fate, the source added.

“But we have established a breach of contract, allegations of bribery running into millions, and money laundering against some suspects.”

In response to a question, the source said, “The government will recover every kobo diverted in respect of the contract. The petitioner claimed that it could be more than N3billion.

“We have probed all angles to the contract and those involved will face the music soon. The government has taken a position not to spare the principal actors in the deal.

“Where necessary, companies implicated might be blacklisted by the Federal Government from operating in Nigeria.”

The scandal was exposed on October12 in a petition by a businessman, Hassan Rabiu of Hypertech (UK) Ltd, entitled, “Conspiracy, fraud, supervision & compromising of Nigeria’s national security and Official Corruption in the award and execution of National Security and defence projects in Nigeria by a group of Jews operating under many guises with the active connivance and involvement of a few unpatriotic Nigerian government officials and businessmen.”

He purportedly drew in some firms, together with those owned by two Israelis, in the contract scandal.

The petition also named some officials of the Presidential Implementation Committee on Maritime Security (PICOMSS).

According to the businessman, one of the companies was to supply 20 units of the K-38 patrol boats to the Army at over N3 billion.

The firm had collected about 80 per cent of the overall sum for the contract but supplied just eight units of the boats.

In his petition, the TP Marine, Hypetech’s MD claimed that he is willing to sell the remaining 12 unpaid boats at an auction price to offset its banking obligation.

He alleged fraud in the execution of the contract and demanded a comprehensive probe into the deal.

Five years after the company ran off with the government‘s money, It was alleged that in November 2011, the firm’s original agent, Mr. ZVi Turbo of Shval Saar Limited introduced the company to TP Marine B.V, the manufacturers of the boat.

Hassan said the alleged fraud involves about 15.5m Euros not N3 billion.

He said, “The 15.5m Euro scandal is only a tip of the iceberg, as it is interconnected and related to the theft of over 200m Euros through PICOMSS, the unapproved expenditures of tens of millions of dollars by PICOMSS, including the purchase of two private jets, etc, etc. and the swindling of the MOD (Ministry of Defence) of mega million dollars by a second set of Jews, all directly involved in swindling Nigeria over the years.”