The National Intelligence Agency, NIA, has clarified that at no time was Ambassador Mohammed Dauda the substantive Director General of the agency charged with the responsibility of overseeing foreign intelligence and counter-intelligence operations.
In a document signed by AH Wakili, the Head of Legal Department and sighted by our correspondent, the intelligence organisation alleged that Amb. Dauda was dismissed from service on account of “infractions”.
According to Wakili, the judgements of the National Industrial Court, as well as Court of Appeal, bordered on the former senior official’s dismissal as a director of the Agency, and not his reinstatement as DG.
“It is important to clarify that Mohammed Dauds was never a substantive Director General of the National Intelligence Agency.
“He only acted in that capacity temporarily, after the tenure of Ambassador Ayo Oke, and a brief acting stint by Ambassador Arab Yadam, until Ambassador Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, was appointed substantive Director General by President Muhammadu Buhari”, the NIA said.
It explained further: “The matter decided by the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal related to the dismissal of Mohammed Dauda as a Director of NIA for several infractions and breaches.
“The substance of the present appeal for which judgment has been passed relates only to procedural matters in respect of the dismissal”,
While noting that “the case in respect of the (alleged) infractions and breaches is still pending for adjudication”, it added that “a true certified copy of the judgment of the Court of Appeal is being awaited, to be studied for informed further action”.
A highly-placed source, who spoke in confidence with this newspaper, said: “As far as I know, this case may have become an academic exercise”.
