Five out of the 18 permanent secretaries that were retired by President Muhammadu Buhari will face trial for alleged corruption.
Barely a day after they were retired from service by President Buhari, five of the affected 17 federal permanent secretaries may face trial for alleged corruption.
One of those billed for trial has been interrogated by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission(ICPC), the Nation reports.
Another, who is rated as brilliant, allegedly indulged in using public funds for exotic vehicles, foreign trips and outrageous hotel bills.
It was also learnt that two of those involved were linked to alleged bribery scandals.
The retired Perm Secs include Aliyu Ismaila; Godknows Igali; Alhaji Baba Farouk; Abdulkadir Musa; Linus Awute; Fatima Bamidele; Obinna John Chukwu; Ezekiel Oyemomi; Anasthesia Nwaobia; Tunji Olaopa; George A. Ossi ; Mike John Nwabiala; Mohammed Bashar and Abdullahi Yola.
According to investigation, the Presidency was disturbed by security reports that many permanent secretaries embezzled public funds with impunity and were living above their means.
The intelligence survey also revealed massive acquisition of property by permanent secretaries and top directors in the civil service.
It was gathered that the security reports were confirmed by the disclosures in some books by Governor Nasir El-Rufai and a former Permanent Secretary, Dr. Goke Adegoroye.
Some of the allegations being probed include acquisition of choice properties; $4.5b tax holidays; N1.9billion Ebola Fund (including N900million for isolation tents); $2billion arms deal; N29billion fictitious contracts; N275.5million budget for 2015 poll monitoring; the mismanagement of subsidy funds; questionable waivers and N2.4 billion fertiliser scam.
A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “About five of the retired permanent secretaries might face trial based on discreet investigation by some security agencies on how they mismanaged their ministries.
“Some of these permanent secretaries appeared before one or two anti-graft agencies for questioning. They are already aware of their pending trial.
“Some of these senior civil servants have been pleading for soft landing but the government may not listen to them.”
Asked to be specific on those affected, the source added: “The anti-graft agencies will soon take charge.”
