20th May, 2010
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN) has acknowledged receiving a petition requesting him to prosecute former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (BB).
The petition dated 5 May, 2010 was written by a human rights group, Social-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP. It was signed by Adetokunbo Mumuni.
The minister, in his reply to SERAP, said: “I acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated 5 May, 2010 written in respect of the above.
“I appreciate your effort in making available a signed copy of the Dr. Pius Okigbo Panel Report and as appropriate, I shall set up a committee that will confirm the authenticity of the said report and also review the allegations and recommendations contained therein with a view to ascertaining whether these allegations can sustain a criminal charge.
“While we shall keep you informed of our effort in this regard, thank you for your concerted effort in sustaining the fight against corruption in our society.
“Please accept the assurances of my high regards and esteem.â€
There have been calls for the prosecution of IBB over the missing $12.4b oil windfall when he was in power. The Okigbo Panel report, which indicted Babangida, has not been made public several years after the report was submited to the federal Government.
Babangida has indicated his interest to run for the presidency in next year’s election even as opposition is mounting against him.