Former Chairman of Nigeria's Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property (SPIP) during President Muhammadu Buhari administration, Okoi Obono-Obla, has accused the administration of gross inaction regarding the recovery of an estimated $69 billion allegedly linked to stolen crude oil proceeds in a Texas-based bank account.

Obono-Obla made the revelation during Mic On Podcast by Seun Okinbaloye, citing a letter received from an American law firm detailing the illicit funds.

Expressing frustration over the lack of decisive action, he lamented, "I informed the president, expecting action to recover such colossal sums, but to date, nothing has been done."

Highlighting the discouraging response from Nigerian authorities, Obono-Obla disclosed, "I wrote to the Attorney General (Abubakar Malami, SAN) seeking support, only to be met with sarcasm. When I mentioned recovering $69 billion, his response was dismissive."

Reflecting on his tenure overseeing SPIP, Obono-Obla criticised what he described as systemic failures in addressing corruption allegations.

"Despite presenting concrete evidence and initiating legal processes, many cases stagnated without resolution," he said with a note of disappointment.

The accusations have reignited scrutiny over Nigeria's efforts to combat corruption and reclaim misappropriated public assets during President Buhari's tenure.

SPIP was established in 2017 to investigate and recover embezzled funds.

Critics argue that such allegations underscore persistent challenges in Nigeria's anti-corruption campaign and emphasise the need for stronger measures to ensure accountability and transparency in public governance.

As debates intensify, questions loom over the fate of the alleged $69 billion and the government's commitment to addressing such serious allegations of financial misconduct.

In August 2019, Okoi Obono-Obla, former Chairman of Nigeria's SPIP, was suspended by President Muhammadu Buhari over allegations of falsification of records and financial impropriety.

The suspension, conveyed through a letter from the then-Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, directed Obono-Obla's immediate removal pending investigations by the ICPC.

The controversy stemmed from accusations that Obono-Obla gained admission to the University of Jos with a forged West African Examination Certificate and falsified records while in office.

Additionally, his tenure at SPIP was marked by accusations of abuse of office, unauthorised investigations, and overstepping his mandate. Critics, including members of SPIP, accused him of conducting over 50 investigations outside the panel's scope for personal gain.

Obono-Obla defended himself, claiming persecution for exposing corruption among powerful lawmakers. However, critics argue that his actions undermined the anti-corruption mandate of SPIP and raised questions about the sincerity of Buhari's administration in tackling corruption within its ranks.

His sack letter said Obono-Obla would face “criminal prosecution on matters related to his alleged financial dealings, as uncovered by the ICPC upon investigation”.

“The government may ask the University of Jos to withdraw his law degree and the Nigerian Law School to debar him from practice,” the letter added.

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