#Armsdeal money : Gen Ihejirika, Kenneth Minimah, others invited

*Dambazzau, Airhiavbere, Muraina, Bassey, Kitchener, Ugwu, Akinyemi, others summoned
The Presidential Committee on Defence Equipment Procurement has extended its investigations to the tenure of 3 ex-Chiefs of Army Staff (COAS) – Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazzau, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika and Lt.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah....

The panel has summoned over 292 serving and retired top officers who worked with the three men.

It said it was in line with its mandate to look into procurement of arms, ammunition and equipment from 2007 to 2015.

The committee has also asked more than 10 local and foreign companies to appear before it. They include the Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).

According to sources, the Chairman of the committee, Air Vice Marshal JON Ode, has asked the Nigerian Army Headquarters to direct all the officers to be present at the panel.

The panel’s letter to the Army Headquarters said: “The invitees are required to clarify issues arising from procurement between 2007 and 2015 before the committee sitting at the ONSA daily.

“AHQ is required to cause the appearance of the senior officers and CEOs of the companies before the committee on dates stated against their names. Your cooperation will be most appreciated.”

It was gathered last night that some of the military chiefs will testify before the panel today.

Procurement overheads to be probed include:

ammunition for Darfur operation, supply of training kits and equipment; purchase of 16MG and 29 RPG and 10Grenade Launchers; repair of seven assault craft; repair service and upgrade of 29 Suncraft ; purchase of 15 Freefall Parachutes; buying of MRAP vehicles with maintenace containers; order of Radio Technologies Equipment; purchase of 10 APCs by DICON; 51 GPMG and sustenance of Operation Zaman Lafiya; emergency procurement of Combat Equipment for Ongoing Ops; Operation Internal Security; Quick Response Group and Forward Operation Bases; HE Type Mortal and purchase of Bullet Proof Vests.

Although some serving Army Generals are expected to appear before the panel, their names are being kept under wraps “for strategic reasons”.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said: "At the end of the day, the panel will make recommendations to the President and Commander-In-Chief, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

“Where there are infractions, the C-I-C will make appropriate decision, based on facts and figures."