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US Exposes Nigerians, Police In Shaddy Deals
A Fresh allegation of financial sleaze, reminiscent of the Halliburton saga, has again turned world’s attention to Nigerian top officials and the Police.
The festering corruption in Nigerian government’s circles caught the attention of the world on Tuesday as the United States (U.S.) government accused top Nigerian officials in Aso Rock, Nigerian Police Force, Ministry of Industry, a former Nigerian diplomat in Brazil , among others, in a multi-million dollar scandal involving a U.S.-owned business, Daimler, the makers of Mercedes Benz cars.
Halliburton, also a U.S. company recently faced a probe for allegedly bribing top Nigerian officials with $180 million in order to get contracts in Nigeria .Perhaps in its unwillingness to contest U.S. government corruption charges against it, Daimler, according to reports, is now planning a plea bargain with American prosecutors where the company will pay fines of about $185 million to settle the case which was filed on Tuesday at a Washington DC U.S. District Court.
Court papers showed that the U.S. company making German cars and trucks Ð Daimler AG Ð has been engaging in these acts of corruption in 16 countries of the world, spanning about a decade, from 1998 to 2008, violating U.S. bribery laws by showering foreign officials, including in Nigeria, with millions of dollars and gifts of luxury cars to win business deals.
For instance in Nigeria , the court papers show that Daimler made “improper payments to Nigerian governent officials in order to secure business. These payments were authorised at the highest levels of management, and were either improperly recorded in Daimler’s books and records or were not recorded at all.”
Many of the Nigerian deals by Daimler were through the Anambra Motor Manufacturing Company (ANAMMCO), a joint venture between Daimler and the Nigerian government, according to the court papers.
The papers reveal that in Nigeria , Daimler maintained a file labelled “grellberschreitend e Bestechnungen, “ which translates as “cross-border briberies.”
“That file contained a memorandum dated January 21, 1999, from the then head of finance…which stated that Daimler charged the State House approximately 21 per cent over the wholesale price for the vehicles, parts, and services,” according to U.S. court filings.
The court filings showed that in exchange for sales at the Nigerian presidency, referred to as State House in the paper “in 1998, Daimler entered into a contract to sell vehicles to the Nigerian State House, which was also known as the Nigerian Presidential Complex, and was the office and residence of the Nigerian President (the “State House Contract”).
Specifically, on October 5, 1998, the ANAMMCO executive, on behalf of Daimler, agreed to sell 23 new Mercedes Benz passenger vehicles to the State House for DM15,882,302. Additionally, a used MB 600 Pullman limousine was armoured and sold to the Nigerian State House for $365,000. The State House contract was signed by a State House official on behalf of the Nigerian government, and by the ANAMMCO executive. These vehicles were intended for use by high-level members of the Executive branch of the Nigerian government.
Again, the filings stated that “the State House paid Daimler $359,985 for the MB Pullman on December 4, 1998, and DM15,882,317 for the cars on December 14, 1998. In connection with these sales to the State House, Daimler made £1,427,242.65 in improper commission payments funded from TPAs-ie Third Party Account, associated with ANAMMCO, with the understanding that these funds would be passed on, in whole or in part, to Nigerian officials to secure the State House Contract.”
Equally, the U.S. court papers stated that payments were made to “then High-Level Executive Branch Official of Nigeria.”
For example in May 1999, at the request of the ANAMMCO executive, Daimler wired DM800,000 from its accounts in Germany to a numbered Swiss bank account. The payment request, according to the court papers, came from the ANAMMCO executive and the “referenced initials … matched those of a then high-level executive branch official of Nigeria … and the funds were debited from an ANAMMCO TPA upon the approval.”
Again in November 1999, Daimler approved payment of DM200,000 to the London bank account of the un-named “Executive Branch official”.
According to the court filings, “this payment was requested by the ANAMMCO executive, approved by the highest level managers and finance personnel …and debited from an ANAMMCO TPA. The payment instructions from the ANAMMCO executive contain the initials “SH” which ANAMMCO employees used as shorthand for the “State House” deal, and related notes by the ANAMMCO executive also referenced initials that matched those of the Executive Branch official.”
Similarly in November 1999, Daimler approved a payment of DM50,000 to the “chief buyer for State House who signed the State House Contract. The payment was requested by the ANAMMCO executive, approved by senior management and finance personnel, and debited to an ANAMMCO TPA. The payment instructions made reference to “SH.”
There were also alleged cash payments made to different government officials in Aso Rock.
According to U.S. prosecutors, “Daimler also made a variety of cash payments to the ANAMMCO executive in connection with State House transactions. For example, on June 27, 1999, the ANAMMCO executive sent a facsimile… requesting that DM400,000 in cash be disbursed to him against a debtor account used for the State House transaction. The payment instruction indicated that the ANAMMCO executive would pick up the funds when he arrived “on the occasion of the advised visit of (the Executive Branch official).”
Also on March 22, 2000, the ANAMMCO executive requested that Daimler “disburse DM50,000 in cash, which was to be used to make payments to a delegation of State House officials who were visiting a Daimler factory in Sindelfingen , Germany .”
Later that year on October 30, 2000, the ANAMMCO executive again “requested that Daimler disburse DM40,000 in cash”. In connection with this request, Daimler employees prepared a payment instruction referencing “Spare Parts State House.” The payment was debited to an ANAMMCO TPA.”
Similar payments of large bribes were also listed as paid to Nigeria Police Force (NPF) officials, including a bribe of DM150,000 paid in June 17, 2000 and another DM50,000 paid later that year in October 20 in connection with the NPF’s purchase of a Master Lift.
In May 1999, Daimler also allegedly paid DM126,000 to a Nigerian government official from the Ministry of Industry who had signed a February 12, 1999 FIFA contract on behalf of the ministry. Curiously, Daimler later had to pay another employee in that same ministry another sum of DM18,000, because as the U.S. court paper indicated, that employee had witnessed the first bribery.
A group of Eminent persons from the Niger Delta region under the aegis of The Niger Delta Watch Dog has warned the Federal Government against yielding to the call to decentralize pipeline surveillance in the region.
The Eminent persons who said this in a press release made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt said those calling for decentralization of pipeline surveillance are ignorant of the dangers it poses to the peace and stability of the Niger Delta.
.They argued that the proposal poses significant risk to the peace security and economic stability of the region.
According to the release” While decentralization is often perceived as a means of promoting inclusivity and local participation, in this specific context it poses significant risks to peace, security, and economic stability.
It further said”evidence from community dynamics across the region suggests that decentralization will cause more harm than good, leading to increased conflict, fragmentation of authority, and heightened threats to critical national infrastructure.
“By contrast, the centralized model currently implemented by Tantita Security Services under the leadership of Government Ekpemupolo Tompolo has demonstrated measurable success in stabilizing the region, reducing conflict, and safeguarding Nigeria’s economic lifelines”
While describing the Niger Delta region as the backbone of Nigeria oil and gas, it added that any changes in policy will lead to crisis in the region.
“The Niger Delta region remains the backbone of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, hosting extensive pipeline networks that are vital to national revenue and economic sustainability.
“Given the sensitive nature of this infrastructure, the framework through which pipeline security is managed must prioritize stability, coordination, and conflict prevention.
“Any policy shift particularly toward decentralization must therefore be carefully evaluated in light of the region’s socio-political realities”
It said
The release jointly signed by Chief Idowu Asonja ,Ellington Pokumo the Public Relations officer of the group Comrade Douye kojo Isoun and others,
said decentralization will lead to escalation of Inter-Community land dispute, intensifies rivalry between groups as well as heightens the struggle against Territorial control among others.
“Decentralizing pipeline security will likely intensify existing disputes between neighbouring communities as many communities in the Niger Delta have been involved in conflicts over Land ownership and territorial boundaries as well as Control of natural resources and
“Claims over oil pipelines passing through their territories” adding
“Such instability not only disrupts social harmony but also directly endangers pipeline infrastructure, increasing the risk of vandalism, sabotage, and production losses”
It said the gains recorded so far by the present centralization policy should be preserve as any shifts could wrecked havoc in the region.
“Any policy shift must preserve these hard-earned gains. At this time, decentralization presents a significant risk, while the current system continues to offer stability, security, and economic assurance for the nation.
“It is therefore strongly advised that the Federal Government of Nigeria carefully scrutinize and ultimately disregard calls for the decentralization of pipeline security contracts. “Available evidence and prevailing realities suggest that such calls may not be driven by the broader national interest, but rather by narrow, self-serving agendas that could reignite conflict within the region, this we know the Government does not need” the group said
The Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency (RSIPA), Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, has used the platform of the revived BRACED Commission to unveil investment opportunities and plans in Rivers State.
The BRACED Commission just bounced back and has already held a roundtable in Port Harcourt preparatory to an economic summit in the near future.
The roundtable featured the investment promotion agencies of the cooperating states: Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo, and Delta states.
Dr Peterside not only chaired the roundtable but made presentations for Rivers State economic landscape.
He hailed the rebound of the BRACED Commission which did well at the onset. “The governors of the region were one and united for one cause. Then, politics came and everything scattered. The agenda is simple, to integrate the economy of the region into one strong bloc.”
He admitted that Rivers State’s investment promotion agency is very young, plus six months in the limbo of state of emergency. “This thus is a very unique opportunity to get resurgent momentum.”
He listed the achievements of RSIPA in the short period since its establishment, saying it has received numerous investment proposals.
“We’ve engaged actively with the private sector, both those currently operating in the state and those intending to invest. We do realize the fact that investment begins from domestic investors. and you have to guide them.
“Through outreach programmes and establishment of a One-Stop-Center (OSC), we have created a streamlined system for addressing investor needs, supporting their business operations. For the first time in Rivers State, prospective investors and small and medium enterprises now have a centralized hub that can address their challenges and find solutions that enable them to thrive.”
He outlined the plans ahead thus: “One of our cardinal focuses at RSIPA is to enhance the operating climate and improve the ease of doing business.
“We are committed to creating a vibrant and business-friendly environment that attracts and retains investment. We are also working closely with other ministries, departments, and agencies to harmonize our activities.
“Collaboration for us is key; we see Rivers State as a single ecosystem where all stakeholders work together to support investment inflow and build a favorable environment for businesses to flourish.”
For the region, he lamented the situation whereby “the carpet is shifting under our feet. The IOCs (international oil corporations) have moved offshore. The issue before us now is how should the region act now. We should target big ticket investment proposals. This is because some proposals will involve other states. There is thus need to collaborate.”
He gave examples of projects that cannot be for one state. “Railway system is not for one state. At the moment, there is no railway line that links Benin to Port Harcourt to Calabar. BRACED can push this agenda.
“There is an oil route from Opobo to Akwa Ibom where Sterling Oil is operating. It’s a route of interest. Governor Sim Fubara wants us to synergise with other states economically. The best time is now because all the governors are now in one political party.”
He called on all the agencies in the BRACED states to sell the idea to their governors.
“Let the governors know that BRACED task is not a competition but as a collaboration. We have the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the South-South Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (SSCCIMA), the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines, and Agriculture (NDCCITMA), etc. This is the ripest time to strike the iron.”
The Director General of the Bayelsa Investment Promotion Agency (BIPA), Mrs. Patience Ranami Abah, also shook the floor when she presented what she termed ‘Closing the Value Capture Gap’.
She showed how the states will win bigger by playing together to present an economic front.
David Franklin, a deputy director, who represented the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Abuja, said investment in people is the beginning of prosperity.
“The South-South is the hub of power of Nigeria due to the hydrocarbon industry, blue economy, agriculture, tourism, etc.”
The Director General, BRACED Commission, Amb.Joe Keshi, in his welcome remarks, said the roundtable was themed around synchrosnising investment frontiers in a strategic framework for south-south economic integration.
The roundtable ended with a communique that recommended setting up a monitoring committee, and other organs to drive integration and investment.
Some of the key resolutions in the Communique issued at the end of the two-day symposium included the call for a BRACED Investment Promotion Charter with a harmonized Regional Investment Promotion Framework and a roadmap.
The Communique called for infrastructure alignment, uniform economic reforms, human capital development plan, and a technical oversight group.
The communique urged state governments, investors, and development partners to collaborate in transforming the BRACED states into a beacon of economic dynamism.
The Defence Headquarters has placed troops on nationwide alert ahead of the Easter celebrations, assuring Nigerians of tightened security.
The DHQ also reaffirmed that ongoing support from the United States is strengthening counter-terrorism operations, with a visible impact expected in the coming weeks.
Addressing journalists during the end-of-the-month briefing on Tuesday in Abuja, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Michael Onoja, assured citizens of heightened vigilance by troops during the Easter celebrations.
Onoja said the Armed Forces had already placed personnel on alert nationwide to prevent any security breach during the holiday period.
He added that similar measures were implemented during previous festive seasons, including Christmas and Eid-el-Fitr, and would be sustained.
“We know that festive seasons usually have heightened security activities. The military command gives instructions to ensure all personnel are on alert. This time will not be different,” he said.
He emphasised that security agencies would not relax despite the celebrations, noting that adversaries often attempted to exploit such periods.
“I can assure you that we will always be on alert, particularly at this period of festivities, because we know that the threats expect us to relax.
“But we are not going to relax. Everything will be okay for this Easter,” he added.
Speaking on the ongoing collaboration with the US forces, Onoja said the impact of the collaboration may not be immediately visible due to the nature of military engagements, but expressed confidence that the benefits would become evident in the coming weeks and months.
He said the U.S. support to Nigeria’s operations had been significant, particularly in the areas of intelligence sharing and training, noting that the assistance was being provided on favourable terms to strengthen ongoing counter-threat operations.
According to him, “You are aware that they are bringing intelligence and training support to us, which we need. They are giving that to us on very favourable terms. There are lots of things I cannot say because of confidentiality.”
He added that the intelligence being provided included information on the location of threats and hostile elements, stressing that Nigerian troops would act accordingly.
“All we can say is that these things take time. There is a gestation period when we are conducting military operations.
“You will not see it immediately, but in the next few months or weeks, you will feel the difference in the impact of the assistance that the U.S. is providing,” Onoja stated.
On February 16, 2026, DHQ confirmed the arrival of approximately 100 US military personnel and equipment at Bauchi Airfield.
According to the military high command, the personnel, who are not combat troops, were in Nigeria strictly for technical assistance, training, and advisory roles in counter-terrorism efforts.
However, insecurity has continued to surge in several parts of the country since their deployment, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the collaboration.