A leading African telecoms giant, MTN Nigeria has come to say that the Tuesday’s Nigerian Senate’s directive to its Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions to investigate its alleged illegally repatriation of $13.9 billion to South Africa through its bankers between 2006 and 2016, saying it was not true.
MTN Nigeria Chief Executive, Ferdi Moolman said in a statement on Wednesday that, “The allegations made against MTN are completely unfounded and without any merit.”
Senator Dino Melaye who made the allegation had through a motion in the Senate said the deal was facilitated by the Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Elenemah and the banks which include, Stanbic IBTC, Standard Chartered Bank, Citi Bank and Diamond Bank.
The Senator made the revelation under order 42 of the Senate rule was particularly pained, stating that at the crucial moment when the nation is plauged with economic challenges, all hands must be on deck to recover every loot in the country.
“We are in a precarious situation and now is the time to recover every stolen money in the country,” he said.
Melaye spoke further by saying, “between 2006 and 2016, the MTN Nigeria, in collaboration with 4 commercial banks and with the help of a serving Minister, has moved over $12bn out of this country”.
He also disclosed that if given the opportunity, he would move the substantive motion in the next legislative day, with concrete evidences. Ruling on the point of order, the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki granted Dino Melaye the privilege of moving the substantive motion during the senate plenary of Tuesday 27th September.
