The Chief of Naval Staff,, Emmanuel Ogalla is to undergo a comprehensive investigation by the Ministry of Defence and other relevant Federal Agencies over allegations of oil Fraud and other issues of misconduct , the Minister of Defence ( State) Bello Matawalle disclosed this to newsmen in a statement Friday.
Matawalle’s statement conveyed by his spokesman,Henshaw Ogubike said that the allegations against the Naval Chief are too weighty not to be taken seriously but called for patience adding that the law will take its course.
Current matters gathered that Ogalla was accused of involvement in oil bunkering activities, providing buffers for oil thieves and erring officers while also engaging in a multi bullion Naira contract fraud .
The embattled Naval Chief was accused of stifling inquiries into vessels suspected of trafficking stolen crude oil, as well as breaching the Procurement Act 2007 by splitting navy arms procurement into 30 contracts awarded to a single firm in November 2023.
In the light of the allegations,Matawalle’s said assured the public” that the ministry of defence will collaborate fully with relevant authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
“It is our collective responsibility to maintain the trust and confidence of the Nigerian people in the institutions that safeguard our nation’s security. We call for patience as the investigative process unfolds and trusts that justice will be served in accordance with the rule of law.’’ The statement added.
