TheCable

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is grilling Ita Ekpeyong, former director-general of the Department of State Services (DSS), after arresting him on Thursday afternoon, TheCable understands.

He is not expected to be detained overnight, according to sources familiar with the situation.

EFCC insiders informed TheCable that nothing incriminating was found in his house after the search conducted by its operatives.

“The interest of investigation is his handover notes to Lawal Daura, the former DSS DG. We want to know how much he handed over to Daura,” a senior official of the anti-graft agency said.

This, TheCable was told, was EFCC establish allegations of corruption against Daura “so that he can face trial”.

There is no love lost between Daura and Ibrahim Magu, acting chairman of EFCC.

In 2016, Daura authored a damning report that has stalled the confirmation of Magu’s nomination, although he continues to act as chairman of the anti-graft agency.

Ekpeyong was DSS DG from 2010 to 2015 when President Goodluck Jonathan left office.

He was replaced by Daura, who, in November 2017, blocked attempts by EFCC to arrest Ekpeyong over the need to “protect” the integrity of the service.