JUST IN: EFCC finally arrests former DSS boss Ita Ekpenyong after a failed attempt in 2017

ITA EKPENYONG: The sack of immediate past DSS boss, Lawal Daura on Tuesday has given way for EFCC to dust its file on the immediate past DSS boss before Daura, Ita Ekpenyong who was arrested by the EFCC on Thursday and his house thoroughly searched.

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Our source who witnessed the arrest at 46 Maman Nasir Street, Asokoro, Abuja, reported that the EFCC men came in three buses and some patrol vehicles accompanied by over 20 armed policemen.
The officers, believed to be from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrived Mr Ekpeyong’s home just before noon on Thursday, in an anti-corruption raid that was reportedly sanctioned by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo.
Mr Ekpenyong led the SSS between 2010 and 2015 when President Muhammadu Buhari replaced him with Lawal Daura, himself now removed from office.
The property being raided is located in Asokoro, Abuja. An attempt was previously made to search it in November 2017, but Mr Daura prevented it, sparking a stand-off that nearly turned fatal between SSS and EFCC operatives.
The EFCC then accused Mr Ekpenyong of being culpable in the arms purchase scandal that rocked the exit of President Goodluck Jonathan.

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Scores of individuals and firms have been identified as allegedly sharing in the mismanaged funds, which were earmarked for the war against Boko Haram.
There was a heavy presence of armed police officers on both entrances to the street as well as by the house. Hilux security vehicles were also parked close to the house.
The EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, did not return calls and an sms sent to him about the raid.
Sources told our correspondent that the acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, was the one who ordered the raid following a meeting with the acting Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, and the new DSS boss, Matthew Seyifa on Wednesday.

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