EFCC petitioned to probe billions donated at Babangida’s book launch

The Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED) on Tuesday called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the source of the massive donations made at the recent book launch of former military ruler, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (retd.).

Nigerian business elites last week announced about N17.5 billion in donations to the IBB Presidential Library project at the public presentation of Babangida’s book – A Journey in Service.

Billionaire industrialist and philanthropist Abdul Samad Rabiu announced a donation of N5 billion, topping the list of donors at the event attended by President Bola Tinubu at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton.

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, donated N2 billion and pledged to add N2 billion annually over the next three years, bringing his total to N8 billion, while former army chief and minister of defence TY Danjuma pledged N3 billion.

CHRICED’s Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim Zikirullahi, said in a statement, raised the alarm over the billions of naira reportedly contributed by politically exposed persons (PEPs) and business magnates.

The group insisted that the EFCC must probe the origins of the funds, especially in a country where corruption remains a major challenge.

According to Zikirullahi, anti-graft agencies must rise to the occasion, investigate the questionable donations at the book launch, and ensure that illicit funds are not allowed to circulate unchecked.

Zikirullahi said: “In a country grappling with severe economic challenges, where countless businesses are fighting for survival and millions of citizens are trapped in multidimensional poverty, the timing of this event and the scale of the donations are particularly troubling.

“The stark contrast between the lavish contributions to Babangida’s library and the dire economic realities faced by ordinary Nigerians cannot be overlooked. It is imperative that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other relevant security agencies take immediate action to investigate the sources of these substantial donations.

“Transparency is crucial, and any funds found to be acquired through dubious means should be seized and redirected for the benefit of the nation.”

CHRICED also faulted Tinubu and Nigeria’s past leaders including former president Goodluck Jonathan for attending the book launch, describing it as a disturbing endorsement of impunity.

The group expressed worry that Nigeria’s political elites, including those currently in power, were at an event that effectively celebrated a man who, by his own admission, overturned a democratic mandate.

The organisation added: “The fact that former heads of state and the current president were present at the launch event further exacerbates the situation, casting a shadow over the collective dignity of the Nigerian populace. Their attendance serves to normalize and even endorse actions that have historically been viewed as deeply damaging to the fabric of our democracy.

“This gathering of political figures at such a contentious event underscores a troubling erosion of our nation’s moral and ethical values. It raises critical questions about accountability and the principles that should guide our leaders.

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“Instead of confronting the past with the seriousness it deserves, the presence of these officials can be interpreted as a macabre celebration of the misfortunes that have befallen the nation; overlooking the pain and suffering caused by the annulment and the subsequent political turmoil, reducing a significant chapter in Nigeria’s history to a mere spectacle.”

According to Zikirullahi, Babangida should be held accountable for the annulment of the June 12 election, which plunged Nigeria into political chaos, led to human rights abuses, and ultimately resulted in the death of MKO Abiola.

The organisation linked Babangida’s regime to unresolved cases of human rights violations, including the assassination of journalist Dele Giwa, and the brutal repression of pro-democracy activists in the 1990s.

Zikirullahi noted that the Tinubu administration must prove that it stands for justice, saying that If Babangida is not arrested and prosecuted, then the “government loses its moral authority.”