The National Drug Law
Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted the sum of two million, one hundred
and ninety-eight thousand, nine hundred dollars ($2,198,900). The money was
seized by anti-narcotic officials on the grounds of suspected money laundering
at the local wing of the Murtala Mohammed Airport (MMA2) Lagos. One 46-year-old
Ibiteye John Bamidele is being investigated in connection with the case. The
suspect was apprehended on his way to Abuja.
Preliminary investigation conducted
by the Assets and Financial Investigation Directorate of the NDLEA revealed
that Ibiteye’s action is in contravention of the money laundering prohibition
act 2011 as amended. He alleged that the money belongs to one Dr. Martins
Olufemi Thomas, a medical practitioner in Lagos. Investigation conducted by the
Agency did not link the money to proceeds of narcotics. However, a country
having insurgency challenge cannot afford to ignore suspicious movement of large
amount of money.
Consequently, the Chairman/Chief
Executive, Ahmadu Giade has directed that the suspect and the exhibit be
transferred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further
action. According to Giade, “the outcome of preliminary investigation did not
link the money to proceeds of narcotics. I have therefore directed that the
suspect be transferred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for
further investigation”.
In his statement, the suspect
claimed to be a Bureau De Change operator. “I used to work for Ebi Bureau De Change
at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja before I established my company with
the name ND&C Global Investment Limited which is yet to be fully registered
with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). One of my clients, Dr. Martins
Olufemi Thomas gave me the said amount to take to Abuja. I was arrested by
NDLEA officers while checking-in the money at MM2 on my way to Abuja” Ibiteye
stated.
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