EFCC Arrests Air Vice Marshal Atawodi Over N600m Arms Scam

Air Vice Marshal Salihu Atawodi was
arrested Wednesday for allegedly
diverting N600 million meant for
acquisition of military boats for the
use of the Nigerian armed forces.
Atawodi was said to have awarded
the contract for the boats and paid
for them in full but none was
supplied.
According to a source in the EFCC,
Atawodi, who recently retired from
the Air Force, was arrested
Wednesday and taken into EFCC
custody for questioning.
The course said the former fighter
pilot is likely to be charged with
conspiracy, abuse of public office
and misappropriation of public
funds.
He awarded the military boat
purchase to one Alhaji Rabiu’s
Hypertech Nigeria Limited. The
contractor was fully paid but the
boats were never supplied.
EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren
confirmed Atawodi’s presence at the
Commission, adding that he is
assisting the investigation.
At press time, the retired Air Force
officer was still with operatives of
the commission.