Nigeria: Warrant for ex-spy chief over corruption

By Rafiu Ajakaye

LAGOS, Nigeria

A Nigerian high court on Thursday ordered the arrest of a former spy chief and his wife after they repeatedly spurned court summons to answer to charges of corruption.

Ayodele Oke was sacked as head of the National Intelligence Agency in 2017 after some $43 million and £27,000 ($34,800) allocated to his agency were found in a private apartment traced to his wife, Folashade.

Last week, the government slapped a four-count charge against the two but they have resisted arraignment, according to prosecution counsel.

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of Lagos' high court issued a bench warrant for their arrest for refusing to appear to take their plea.

“It is hereby ordered that Ambassador Ayodele Oke and wife, Folashade Oke, be arrested anywhere they have been sighted in the world,” the warrant read.

The arrest warrant came a day after government counsel told the court security agencies were having issues with serving the charge sheet on the accused.