 |
| Senate President, Bukola Saraki |
The Federal Government has opened a file
on all Nigerians whose names have been mentioned in the Panama Papers
as operating offshore accounts in notorious tax havens.
Some of the individuals listed in the
papers so far are the current Senate President, Bukola Saraki; and his
predecessor, David Mark.
Others listed include Africa’s richest
man, Mr. Aliko Dangote; his cousin, Saayu Dantata, and a former Minister
of Defence, Lt.Gen Theophilus Danjuma (retd.)
It was learnt that the Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission had been gathering reports from local and
international media as well as the responses being given by those named.
It was also learnt that the EFCC would then carry out its independent investigation and involve INTERPOL if necessary.
German newspaper, Süddeutsche Zeitung,
had last Sunday released the Panama Papers, the biggest leak in the
history of data journalism, publishing online 11.5 million documents
from Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca, which showed how some
prominent people across the world criminally hid money using anonymous
shell corporations across the world.
The Panamanian law firm, regarded as one
of the world’s most secretive companies, according to the documents,
has helped clients launder money, dodge sanctions and evade tax.
Already, the Nigerians involved have all denied complicity.
In an exclusive report by online medium, Premium Times,
it was alleged that about four assets belonging to the Saraki family,
which included Girol Properties Ltd., Sandon Development Limited, and
Landfield International Developments Ltd., were tucked away in secret
offshore territories.
For instance, the report stated that
Girol Properties was registered on behalf of Toyin by Fonsecca on August
25, 2004, in the British Virgin Island, a year after her husband became
the Governor of Kwara State. But the assets were allegedly not part of
the ones declared by the Senate President or Toyin when Saraki became
governor and after he was sworn in as the nation’s number three citizen.
 |
| Mark |
Similarly, at least eight offshore
companies in the British Virgin Island have been linked to Senator Mark
which he allegedly operated while holding public office, a criminal
offence according to Nigerian laws.
A source, who pleaded anonymity
because of the sensitivity of the matter, said, “We are studying the
matter closely. In fact, we have opened a file and all reports are being
gathered.
“We want all the names to be released
first before launching full investigations. The issue is a tricky one.
After preliminary investigations, we will seek advice from the Office of
the Attorney General because investigations of such nature will need
foreign collaboration.”
0 comments:
Post a Comment
PLEASE BE POLITE