The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has uncovered a staggering amount of N35 billion fraud perpetuated in an attempt to purchase arms and ammunition between 2008 and 2015.
Investigation by the OBSERVERS TIMES reveals that the Ministry of Defence obtained at N35 billion loan bond from the debt management office from the provision of logistics items and equipment to the Nigerian contingencies in peacekeeping missions from which contracts were awarded and monies disbursed.
The major players in this alleged conspiracy and diversion of public funds include the contractor, Donald Peterson and his companies Richfield Technologies Ltd; VTB Export and Import Ltd; Freerose Ltd and Africa Integrated Services Limited.
Contracts awarded to Peterson and his companies include: Supply of communication equipment at N1,020,287,357; Supply of truck recovery vehicles at N50,000.000.00; Supply of Tenex at N269,000,000.00; Supply of Trainer simulator at N433,317,213.00 ; Supply of units of fuel trailers at N85,000.000.00; Supply of machine refuelerb at N320, 000,000,00; Supply of two bridge and engine simulators at N433,000,000. 00; Supply of another two bridge and engine simulators at N433,000,000. 00; Supply of arms and ammunition at N533,000,000.00 and N778,000,000.00 respectively.
Another supply of arms and ammunition at N601,000,000.00 and N694,000,000.00, respectively, investigation further exposed that a former chief-of-staff to the president; former defence ministers and top government officials were involved in the alleged fraud.
When contacted, the EFCC spokesperson, Mr. Tony Orilade confirmed that such investigation was ongoing.