Former acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, has explained why former President Goodluck Jonathan was never invited for questioning over the controversial $2.1bn arms deal.

According to Magu, EFCC records indicated that the money in question was not officially approved for campaign purposes. This was based on memos and documents reviewed during the investigation, which cleared Jonathan of any involvement in diverting funds for political campaigns.

This revelation was made in Dr. Charles Omole’s book, From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, which was launched at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The book chronicles the life of the late former president, from his military days to his political career.

Omole noted that the handling of the arms funds caused serious tension within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Several party leaders were invited for questioning over the alleged diversion of public funds, with former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki, being a central figure in the controversy.

Omole further claimed that Sambo Dasuki had significant control over military procurement, leading some to view him as a “co-president” alongside Jonathan. Tensions reportedly grew between Dasuki and Defence Minister Aliyu Gusau, as procurement authority and other critical functions shifted to the NSA’s office.

The book also details the effects of the investigation on top PDP figures. According to Omole, Adamu Mu’azu, the former PDP national chairman, went into hiding after being wanted for questioning. Meanwhile, Olisa Metuh, the party’s former spokesman, allegedly refused to return ₦400 million linked to a company tied to him.

“By January, Mu’azu was in hiding, and Metuh said he would rather starve than refund the money; he was later arrested,” Omole wrote.

Other individuals mentioned in the book include former NIMASA boss Patrick Akpobolokemi, who was arrested, jumped bail, and was rearrested.

Several PDP zonal chairmen claimed they did not know the origin of the campaign funds they received during the election period.

Magu, speaking on the investigation, clarified that Jonathan was not invited for questioning because the documents reviewed did not directly link him to the approval of the funds for the campaigns. He further lamented how well-funded legal defenses often delay cases, especially when politicians who embezzle large sums hire senior lawyers to exploit gaps in investigations.

The book also revealed how President Buhari ordered the EFCC to investigate 17 serving and retired military officers based on recommendations from the Military Procurement Audit Committee. Several Air Force officers were questioned, including the late Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, who was later charged with money laundering and corruption, including using ₦1.4 billion from Air Force funds to purchase a mansion in Abuja.

Omole added that the audit committee flagged 21 companies for EFCC investigation due to questionable contracts linked to the Air Force and NSA, citing unclear costs and transfers of public funds for unidentified purposes.