A real Nigerian scam
WILL BURGESS/AFP/Getty Images Via allAfrica, Nigerian papers are reporting that the country’s Economic and Financial Crimes Comission is investigating ex-President Olesegun Obasanjo for corruption. The former leader is suspected of misappropriating $16 billion in funds meant for Nigeria’s energy sector. The investigation of Obasanjo, along with the firing two senior ministers on suspicion of stealing ...
WILL BURGESS/AFP/Getty Images
Via allAfrica, Nigerian papers are reporting that the country's Economic and Financial Crimes Comission is investigating ex-President Olesegun Obasanjo for corruption. The former leader is suspected of misappropriating $16 billion in funds meant for Nigeria's energy sector.
The investigation of Obasanjo, along with the firing two senior ministers on suspicion of stealing public funds, could be a sign that current president Umaru Yar'Adua is trying to distance himself from the predecessor that essentially appointed him in badly flawed elections last spring.
Via allAfrica, Nigerian papers are reporting that the country’s Economic and Financial Crimes Comission is investigating ex-President Olesegun Obasanjo for corruption. The former leader is suspected of misappropriating $16 billion in funds meant for Nigeria’s energy sector.
The investigation of Obasanjo, along with the firing two senior ministers on suspicion of stealing public funds, could be a sign that current president Umaru Yar’Adua is trying to distance himself from the predecessor that essentially appointed him in badly flawed elections last spring.
A word of warning: Should you get an e-mail from “Obasanjo” asking you to look after his money during the investigation, don’t reply.
Joshua Keating was an associate editor at Foreign Policy. Twitter: @joshuakeating
More from Foreign Policy


Lessons for the Next War
Twelve experts weigh in on how to prevent, deter, and—if necessary—fight the next conflict.


It’s High Time to Prepare for Russia’s Collapse
Not planning for the possibility of disintegration betrays a dangerous lack of imagination.


Turkey Is Sending Cold War-Era Cluster Bombs to Ukraine
The artillery-fired cluster munitions could be lethal to Russian troops—and Ukrainian civilians.


Congrats, You’re a Member of Congress. Now Listen Up.
Some brief foreign-policy advice for the newest members of the U.S. legislature.