Halliburton: Suspects’ passports seized

•Obaseki, Etiebet, Kupolokun affected

MALACHY UZENDU, Abuja

The joint security panel probing alleged complicity of some Nigerians in the$180 million Halliburton bribe scandal, yesterday ordered the witnesses who have appeared before it to deposit their international passports with them.

The panel also asked them to be reporting to them every week until investigation into the allegation was concluded.

The panel headed by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Mike Okiro invited former head of state, General Abdusalami Abubakar (rtd), former petroleum ministers, Chief Jackson Gaius-Obaseki, Funso Kupolokun, Chief Dan Etete and Obong Don Etiebet.

Also said to have been interrogated by the committee was the former Director-General (DG) of Nigeria Security Organisation (NSO), Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi, for allegedly playing a prominent role in the bribe scandal which has attracted global attention.

All the witnesses were allegedly listed among prominent Nigerians invited to the panel for clarifications. They spent over three hours with the panel.

Last Week, sources at the Okiro panel told our reporter that Abubakar had obtained the panel’s permission to travel abroad for medical treatment and to report back this week.

Former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Alhaji Mohammed Dikko Yusuf, had appeared at the panel and gave evidence on what he knew concerning the scam.

Shinkafi and Etiebet were said to have arrived at the Louis Edet House, Abuja as well as Gaius-Obaseki and Kupolokun were drilled by the panel, on the money they allegedly received as bribe as well as any information said to be available to them on the alleged bribe money.

Daily Champion also gathered that Obaseki and Kupolokun also appeared before the panel and gave evidence last week.

As at press time, it could not be ascertained if Etete, another former petroleum minister, who was also asked to appear before the panel, had honored the invitation.

Owing to wide outcry over the complacency of government in investigating the Nigerian counterparts in the Halliburton contract scam, for which several individuals and companies have been punished in the United States, President Umaru Yar’Adua administration’s empanelled the Okiro-led body to look into the matter.

However, following startling revelations said to have been made by witnesses at the panel, the dragnet of witnesses was extended.

Apart from these prominent figures, some aides of some former top leaders were also said to have been named in the scam.

The Halliburton bribery tale has been a worrisome issue since it broke in 2003, following an investigation of KBR, a Halliburton subsidiary, over payments to a range of high profile Nigerian officials in the executive, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Niagerian Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG).

The contract was worth $6 billion. Kellog, Brown and Root (KBR), the Halliburton subsidiary that got the job, was part of a four-company joint venture on the project. The company has already pleaded guilty and agreed to pay a fine of $520 million.

In the USA, KBR admitted that before the award of the contracts, KBR’s former boss, Albert Jack Stanley and others met with three successive former holders of a top-level office in the executive branch of the Nigerian government to ask the office holders to designate a representative with whom the joint-venture should negotiate bribes to Nigerian officials.

Two representatives were accordingly hired - a consulting company, Tri-Star, based in Gribraltar and a trading company based in Tokyo. Tri-Star was paid $132 million, while the Tokyo Company got $50 million. All the monies were said to have been passed to Nigerian officials, according to documents on the website of the US Justice Department.

http://www.champion-newspapers.com/news/article_1.htm

I will like those envious, hate-filled anti Igbo elements on this forum to see the names of those who have contributed significantly in rendering Nigeria's economy comatose. The bribe monies are enough to undertake one developmental project or another. When these individuals are added to the gamut of others with corruption cases pending with the EFCC, it becomes clear from where, in the main, rain began beating Nigeria. Meanwhile, *Jona, Billymuse, Becomerich aka Hisname, Lamidi-Obi and Submacgun, amongst others should take note.

I dey sidon look--------------- more to come.

what is the point of this thread

There are above 200 tribes in Nigeria. That leaves many tribes unmentioned on that list. So what's all this about Ibos not being mentioned? How many Igbiras, Kanuris, Urhobos or Fulanis were on the list?

Please detribalize.

dnex:

There are above 200 tribes in Nigeria. That leaves many tribes unmentioned on that list. So what's all this about Ibos not being mentioned? How many Igbiras, Kanuris, Urhobos or Fulanis were on the list?

Please detribalize.

This is not about how Igbos see themselves

Afaukwu is a retard who stumbled on a computer

why are some folks just ridiculous on Nairaland?

I think this Afaukwu and Becomerich belong to the same category

Dnex,

Those tribes you mentioned should speak for themselves, just like I speak for mine.  I have heard enough of how Igbos are the bad guys of Nigeria to warrant a sustained vociferous defense of mine. If you do not like my approach, take a plunge.

Mikeansy,

What do I do with you?? If you know who Afaukwu is, you will immediately apologise for your gaffe. FYI, I am, modestly speaking, the president of the Nigerian asociation over here and in that capacity, I have taken so much heat from the real tribalistic compatriots on account of the misdeeds of some Igbos here. So I am happy at this topic and others I have announced so far.

It's you who needs a plunge to wash your brain of the residual soot on it.

A list is supposed to draw attention to the people on it not the tribes or the people off it.

If you're so interested in getting yourself in focus, why not look for a list you're on, or set up a tribal dance troupe to bring attention to your tribe.

out of 250 tribes ibos are not mentioned and you take it as an achievement(because you believe they most bementioned right?) thats to show you how corrupt they are

Dnex,

Again, I say take a plunge. I know you are sore because of the involvement of Gaius Obaseki your brother in whom you are well pleased and whom you have in the past praised to high heavens when you were DENEX. Looki'a, I have been around here long enough to know how you guys play the ostrich.

Dranoel,

Of the 250 or so Nigerian tribes, only a few matter in Nigerian politics and its attendant corruption. I believe you know this.

Seems we never learn in Nigeria. Every issue must be discussed on a tribal basis?
Looking at the list, one can easily see that involvement was by virtue of position, and not tribe: oil ministers, president, NNPC directors etc.

Biina,

Speaking off NNPC directors, there has been Igbo directors too. Why are they not mentioned? I believe no Nigerian tribe is immune from corruption; however, could it be that non Igbo directors of NNPC conspired amongst themselves to marginalize the Igbo(s) amongst them when they were sharing the bribe money? Who talk say Igbo marginalization no get positive side? Hahahaha

so lets assume all Igbo men are incorruptible, honest, God fearing and totally upright.

Are you happy now?

You couldnt just start the thread without mentioning tribe?

The Halliburton scam involved $180 billion. Is that what you're referring to as a scam that 'rendered Nigeria comatose'?

Remember the Andy Uba saga?!

Afaukwu:

Those tribes you mentioned should speak for themselves, just like I speak for mine.  I have heard enough of how Igbos are the bad guys of Nigeria to warrant a sustained vociferous defense of mine. If you do not like my approach, take a plunge.

So your idea of a defense is to head down the same tribalistic route you condemn others for, abi?

Wastepipe.

Another rubbish thread - Standard don rubbish for NL

tpiah:

so lets assume all Igbo men are incorruptible, honest, God fearing and totally upright.

Are you happy now?

You couldnt just start the thread without mentioning tribe?

Only if you can read; your life will be made easier as you would have seen my bolded statement below.

''Speaking off NNPC directors, there has been Igbo directors too. Why are they not mentioned? I believe no Nigerian tribe is immune from corruption; however, could it be that non Igbo directors of NNPC conspired amongst themselves to marginalize the Igbo(s) amongst them when they were sharing the bribe money?  Grin Grin Grin Who talk say Igbo marginalization no get positive side? Hahahaha''

texazzpete:

So your idea of a defense is to head down the same tribalistic route you condemn others for, abi?

Wastepipe.

Sometimes an option is to pay people back in their own coin, so they learn the hard way and feel what others feel too. But as anyone with discernment can see, I have never mentioned any other tribe, good or bad. I only concentrate on mine. People will have to define what tribalism means.

texazzpete:

The Halliburton scam involved $180 billion. Is that what you're referring to as a scam that 'rendered Nigeria comatose'?

Remember the Andy Uba saga?!

How much is that in Naira and how far can it go to put ''food'' on the table of a good number of Nigerians? Regarding the Andy Uba saga, I know about it and the furore it caused on several naija forums. Nevertheless, I am here to promote and not demote mine (or even others'). Let those who do the demotion carry on; each one to their task.

^^^^^ I have no doubt you are severely incapacitated in your ability to use any of your few remaining brain cells, even at a most basic level. What a disaster of a human cadaver! Worse, you mentioned that you are the president of a Nigerian association in your enclave? YOU, your ilk of bigots and blind tribalists are the reason why NIGERIA is covered in SHAME all over the world today!

Is it too hard to learn with all the years you have wasted on earth that viewing NIGERIA with a parochial mirror of tribe is ONE of the biggest reasons we CANNOT make progress? Imagine if Nigeria were all your own family and your only preoccupation is to always use your narrow mindedness to view and analyze ever issue, when is the family going to ever make progress? You should bury your poor head in shame, same as the people who glorify tribe while neglecting the main issues. You're a disappointment of a human being and you need to change for your own good and the good of your children and children's children!

CyberG:

^^^^^ I have no doubt you are severely incapacitated in your ability to use any of your few remaining brain cells, even at a most basic level. What a disaster of a human cadaver! Worse, you mentioned that you are the president of a Nigerian association in your enclave? YOU, your ilk of bigots and blind tribalists are the reason why NIGERIA is covered in SHAME all over the world today!

Is it too hard to learn with all the years you have wasted on earth that viewing NIGERIA with a parochial mirror of tribe is ONE of the biggest reasons we CANNOT make progress? Imagine if Nigeria were all your own family and your only preoccupation is to always use your narrow mindedness to view and analyze ever issue, when is the family going to ever make progress? You should bury your poor head in shame, same as the people who glorify tribe while neglecting the main issues. You're a disappointment of a human being and you need to change for your own good and the good of your children and children's children!

What a load of crappy gibberish. Poor you. I guess your brother/father/mother is among the bribers? Don't even come here to preach, for I know your type.

afaukwu threadi gi a bu ezi okwu ma na onwere k'odi
a mara m reason iji were bido ya bu threadi, hapu ndi omekome a ka ha n'ezuzu
Anyi bu Igbo ma na anyi erika
onye si n'Igbo ama ebi,ka afo du kwa ya n'imi

$osisi:

afaukwu threadi gi a bu ezi okwu ma na onwere k'odi
a mara m reason iji were bido ya bu threadi, hapu ndi omekome a ka ha n'ezuzu
Anyi bu Igbo ma na anyi erika
onye si n'Igbo ama ebi,ka afo du kwa ya n'imi

Osisi has delivered it better than I can

Threads like these or attitudes like these does not advance anything for the Igbos

bros grow up

Afaukwu:

Biina,

Speaking off NNPC directors, there has been Igbo directors too. Why are they not mentioned? I believe no Nigerian tribe is immune from corruption; however, could it be that non Igbo directors of NNPC conspired amongst themselves to marginalize the Igbo(s) amongst them when they were sharing the bribe money? Who talk say Igbo marginalization no get positive side? Hahahaha

Sorry for not being specific enough, but I was referring to the post of NNPC GMD.

So much as Igbos love money so much and the other lazy tribes don't love money at all. Going by facts including the ones on this thread write up, it is clear who loves money more in that useless entity called nigeria.

here we go again and again,

mikeansy:

This is not about how Igbos see themselves

Afaukwu is a retard who stumbled on a computer

why are some folks just ridiculous on Nairaland?

I think this Afaukwu and Becomerich belong to the same category

GBAM!!!

CyberG:

^^^^^ I have no doubt you are severely incapacitated in your ability to use any of your few remaining brain cells, even at a most basic level. What a disaster of a human cadaver! Worse, you mentioned that you are the president of a Nigerian association in your enclave? YOU, your ilk of bigots and blind tribalists are the reason why NIGERIA is covered in SHAME all over the world today!

Is it too hard to learn with all the years you have wasted on earth that viewing NIGERIA with a parochial mirror of tribe is ONE of the biggest reasons we CANNOT make progress? Imagine if Nigeria were all your own family and your only preoccupation is to always use your narrow mindedness to view and analyze ever issue, when is the family going to ever make progress? You should bury your poor head in shame, same as the people who glorify tribe while neglecting the main issues. You're a disappointment of a human being and you need to change for your own good and the good of your children and children's children!

double gbam!!!!!!!!

I honestly labor to fathom the reasons behind the initial frowning and unwarranted spontaneous responses from certain dolls when subject of ethnic bias is visited in Nigeria.

Believe you me, any so-called Nigerian who failed to view the colonial contraption called Nigeria through the prism of ethnicity is either a latent idiot or irresponsible sinner. All the governmental procedures in the jungle, whether they are deliberated in good or bad faiths, are done through the dictates of ethnicity.

From the idiotic federal character, rotational presidency, quota system, governors of the respective states, foods, languages spoken and even to the sex life are tribal. Yet some of the demented impostors on this forum would want us to believe otherwise. The underlying truth of this awkward institutionalization of ethnic bias in Nigeria is geared towards a particular group.

Even the simple geographical references in the jungle were tinted with ethnic bias and incredible lack of shame. Anybody who had a fifth grade geography lesson should realize that there is nothing such as "south-south" and melancholic saga of the "Niger Delta".

Today Niger-Delta is in vogue and tends to include areas that could easily pass as mountain terrains. Places that have absolutely nothing to do with the delta formed by Benue, Niger, Imo, Anambra, Urasi and Utamiri Rivers are branded “Niger Delta”. Even communities that found deep in Escravos and forcados deltas are branded “Niger delta” due to the dirty Nigerian politics mainly fueled by ethnic bias and crude oil. Nigeria is so ethnically engrossed that foreign language is the official medium of expression. Yet few clowns wanted to twist out of human form because a fellow who is pure in heart decided to revisit the ethnic bias as seen in the jungle.

Many people say that a fool at forty is a fool forever.

Dede1:

I honestly labor to fathom the reasons behind the initial frowning and unwarranted spontaneous responses from certain dolls when subject of ethnic bias is visited in Nigeria. 

Believe you me, any so-called Nigerian who failed to view the colonial contraption called Nigeria through the prism of ethnicity is either a latent idiot or irresponsible sinner. All the governmental procedures in the jungle, whether they are deliberated in good or bad faiths, are done through the dictates of ethnicity.

From the idiotic federal character, rotational presidency, quota system, governors of the respective states, foods, languages spoken and even to the sex life are tribal. Yet some of the demented impostors on this forum would want us to believe otherwise. The underlying truth of this awkward institutionalization of ethnic bias in Nigeria is geared towards a particular group.

Even the simple geographical references in the jungle were tinted with ethnic bias and incredible lack of shame. Anybody who had a fifth grade geography lesson should realize that there is nothing such as "south-south" and melancholic saga of the "Niger Delta".

Today Niger-Delta is in vogue and tends to include areas that could easily pass as mountain terrains. Places that have absolutely nothing to do with the delta formed by Benue, Niger, Imo, Anambra, Urasi and Utamiri Rivers are branded “Niger Delta”. Even communities that found deep in Escravos and forcados deltas are branded “Niger delta” due to the dirty Nigerian politics mainly fueled by ethnic bias and crude oil. Nigeria is so ethnically engrossed that foreign language is the official medium of expression. Yet few clowns wanted to twist out of human form because a fellow who is pure in heart decided to revisit the ethnic bias as seen in the jungle.
 
Many people say that a fool at forty is a fool forever.

Hope u r not yet forty.

biina:

Hope u r not yet forty.

You are a living example of the statement you have enlarged. Nairaland has scored another milestone.

Dede1:



You are a living example of the statement you have enlarged. Nairaland has scored another milestone. 

It is either you are over forty, or the forty years barrier is over estimated. 
Whichever, anyone who goes about insulting other posters simply for holding a contrary opinion is beyond salvation.

Dede1:



You are a living example of the statement you have enlarged. Nairaland has scored another milestone.  

It wasn't enlarged, it was 'emboldened'. An erudite scholar like you should know that basic difference, not so?