by Akakan Umoh
The alleged financial sleaze of the former Director General of Nigeria’s National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mr. Ayodele Oke, has clouded his Ambassadorial appointment, stirring serious concerns in policy and diplomatic circles.
A citizen of Oyo State, Oke was appointed by Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan as the NIA Director on 7 November, 2013.
In April 2017, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) uncovered $43.4 million USD, £27,800, and 23 million Naira (totaling roughly $43 million+ USD) in a 4-bedroom apartment at 7B Osborne Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.
The massive cash haul was found hidden in wardrobes and cabinets following a tip-off, and was later linked to the National Intelligence Agency.
Also read: $43m Ikoyi Apartment Cash: EFCC Declares Ayo Oke, Wife Wanted
Consequently, ex-President Muhammadu Buhari suspended him after the financial haul from his apartment.
On 30 October, 2017, Oke was finally dismissed by the late President Buhari after consideration of the report of the investigative committee headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
By February 7, 2019, two years later after the money was found in his apartment, the Federal High Court in Lagos issued a warrant for the arrest of Chief Oke, former director general of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and his wife Folasade following an application by EFCC.
Prior to the court date, the couple reportedly left the country for “medical treatment.”
The EFCC then declared the couple wanted after their failure to respond to court summons.
They were charged with the theft and laundering of staggering amounts of public money EFCC found in their Lagos apartment.
Before he left office on May 29, 2023, late Buhari reportedly cleared Mr Oke of the allegations of corruption levelled against him.
In November 2025, President Bola Tinubu appointed Ayo Oke as an Ambassador-nominee.
He was a Career diplomat and served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Commonwealth Secretariat in London.
The Nigerian Senate later confirmed Oke as an Ambassador on December 16, 2025 and sent his name to Tinubu.
He is tipped to be posted to one of the world powers.
Till date, neither the investigative committee headed by then Vice President Yemi Osinbajo nor the Federal High, Lagos Court had cleared Oke of the alleged financial sleaze.
