In October 2010, over a year after he assumed office as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II received a directive from then President Goodluck Jonathan to donate the sum of N19.7 billion from the coffers of the apex bank to the Nigerian Police Force to facilitate the acquisition of six armoured helicopters, communication equipment, armoured patrol vans as well as anti-riot wares.

The CBN under Sanusi also paid out N3.2 billion naira to the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) for the construction of a new counter-terrorism centre for the Office of the NSA.

The monies were provided under the bank’s intervention fund, according to documents obtained by THEWILL.

THEWILL was unable to confirm as at the time of writing whether the apex bank kept a tab on the funds to ensure they were used for what they were meant for.

Despite his recent denial that the CBN never gave monies directly to the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) or agencies seeking the bank’s assistance during his tenure, Sanusi in a letter to the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria in 2014 while responding to a query, confirmed that following the orders of former President Jonathan the bank paid N19.7 billion directly to the Police Force for the purchases.

“At the height of security uncertainties in Nigeria, the Ministry of Police Affairs petitioned His Excellency, the President, for access to the CBN Intervention Fund. His Excellency approved that this be done in his letter of 6 October 2010 referenced MPA/PSD/S/0243…

“The CBN Board of Directors then reviewed and approved this request. See Annexure HH for the issuance of a grant by the CBN from the Intervention Fund to the Nigerian Police Force, for the procurement of: • Armoured Helicopters,  • Armoured Patrol Vans,  • Anti-Riot Equipment;  • Hand held Communication Equipment,” Sanusi wrote.

He further said: “Also, upon the application of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the CBN paid N2.1 Billion for the automation and renovation of the Federal Executive Council Chamber.

“The CBN also initiated, with His Excellency, the President’s approval, the construction of the International Conference Centre for Nigeria.

“His Excellency, the President, also requested that the CBN pay N3.2 Billion for the construction of a new counter terrorism centre for the office of the National Security Adviser.

“The FRCN itself is a beneficiary of the CBN’s intervention policy as the CBN paid the sum of N220 Million to the FRCN and also organised the banking sector, through the Banker’s Committee, to pay N280 Million, totalling a sum of N500 Million, for the construction of the IFRS Academy.”

The Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari has launched an extended probe into arms purchases for security agencies under the administration of Jonathan. The EFCC which is prosecuting the immediate past NSA, retired Colonel Sambo Dasuki, as well as several others over how $2 billion dollars earmarked for arms procurement was misappropriated, is in a dilemma over how to question the controversial Emir because of the sensitive position he presently occupies.

•Sourced from THEWILL. Photo shows Emir of Kano, Sanusi.

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