Atiku Abubakar was Nigeria’s vice president from 1999-2007. He has not visited the the United States since leaving office. He blames it on US authorities not granting him visa to visit the country. Anyway, it is connected to a corruption case concerning one William Jefferson, a former American Congress man. He was involved in promoting US businesses in Africa.

In June 2006, a letter from the Attorney-General of the United States sought the help of the Nigerian government to investigate a case of bribery, wired fraud and conspiracy involving a US company iGate and Netlink Digital Telivision (NDTV), a Nigerian company. The US listed the names of thirty persons involved in the deal and Atiku Abubakar is believed to be one of them. The request was an opportunity for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to handle another high profile corruption case, this time involving the number two citizen of Nigeria.

How did the failed deal unfold?

The Nigerian company NDTV had entered a deal to procure some information technology equipment from iGate for its proposed satellite television. Jefferson had infracted US law in his dealings, but the US needed Nigeria to help nab his collaborators.
Atiku was suspected of using his office as Vice President to corruptly enrich himself and his friends who were involved in the deal on the Nigerian side. He was also suspected to be prepared to received kick-backs from Jefferson for the role he played in facilitating the deal.

Atiku’s involvement stems from his role as the supervisor of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF). President Obasanjo had in April 2003 approved 125million Dollars for the running of the PTDF. With the knowledge of Atiku, the amount was deposited in Trans International Bank (TIB) and Equitorial Trust Bank (ETB). In October 2003, without the approval of the Federal Executive Council, Atiku gave the Accountant General of the Federation the go ahead to release some 20million dollars to the PTDF.

To be continued... #StateAffairs

The wicked will never go unpunish.

After 3 years, APC are now bringing this up, what stop Buhari from arresting Atiku?

Smh