Tinubu Camp Says Ambassadorial Nominee Ayo Oke Cleared Of Corruption Case

The Presidency has defended the nomination of Ayo Oke as a non-career ambassador, saying he is no longer facing corruption charges linked to the 2017 Ikoyi cash scandal.

The clarification came from Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, following public criticism of Oke’s inclusion on the new diplomatic list.

Oke was removed as director-general of the National Intelligence Agency in 2017 after investigators uncovered $43 million, £27,800, and ₦23 million in an Ikoyi apartment. The EFCC later filed money laundering charges against him and his wife, after which he left the country. His sudden return to public service drew strong reactions from civil society groups and online commentators, who urged the Senate to reject him.

The controversy intensified on Wednesday when President Tinubu sent three ambassadorial nominations to the Senate. Oke was listed alongside Kayode Are from Ogun State and Aminu Dalhatu from Jigawa State. The President asked the Senate to fast-track their screening under the constitutional provisions guiding such appointments.

Lawmakers noted that more names would be forwarded later. The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs has already been directed to complete its screening and present a report within one week.

As debates grew, Onanuga defended Oke in a Facebook post, insisting that the former NIA boss had already been cleared after what he described as a long and thorough investigation. He shared an article backing his argument and urged critics to stop circulating outdated allegations.

His remarks were aimed at online platforms and advocacy groups that continue to raise questions about Oke’s past, insisting that the public should rely on verified information rather than old accusations.

With Senate screening underway, the controversy around Oke’s nomination is expected to shape discussions as Nigerians watch to see how lawmakers handle a case once tied to one of the country’s most talked-about corruption investigations.