In August 1998 the Nigerian government ordered an investigation of former state administrators to find out whether any of them had diverted government money for their own purposes in the past few years (AFP 25 Aug. 1998). No names of state administrators are mentioned. However, the Research Directorate has been able to compile a list of these administrators through perusal articles of the time from the Post Express Wired, the online version of the Nigerian newspaper Post Express.

The following is a list of the state administrators at or shortly before the time of former President Abacha's death on 8 June 1998, based on information published in the Post Express Wired. The dates following the names of the administrators refer to that newspaper.

1. AbiaColonel Moses Fasanya (4 Feb. 1998)

2. AdamawaNavy Captain Joe Kalu-Iboamagh (25 May 1998)

3. Akwa IbomNavy Captain Joseph Adeusi (9 June 1998b)

4. AnambraGroup Captain Rufai Garba (Garuba) (18 May 1998, 7 Aug. 1998)

5. BauchiColonel Thephilus Bamigboye (20 Apr. 1998)

6. BayelsaNavy Captain Omoniyi Olubolade (14 Apr. 1998, 31 July 1998)

7. BenueColonel Aminu Kontagora (3 June 1998a)

8. BornoLieutenant-Colonel Augustine Aniebo (31 Jan. 1998, 25 June 1998)

9. Cross RiverColonel Umaru Ahmed (3 June 1998b, 23 June 1998)

10. DeltaColonel David Dungs (16 May 1998, 23 July 1998)

11. EbonyiCommander Walter Feghabo (27 Jan. 1998, 4 Aug. 1998)

12. EdoGroup Captain Baba Iyam (12 April 1998)

13. EkitiLieutenant Colonel Mohammed Inua Bawa (5 June 1998, 16 July 1998)

14. EnuguColonel Sule Ahmed (15 May 1998, 15 July 1998)

15. GombeGroup Captain Joseph Orji (22 Jan. 1998, 30 July 1998)

16. ImoColonel Tanko Zubairu (10 Mar. 1998, 26 Aug. 1998)

17. JigawaLieutenant Colonel Rashid Shekoni (5 Jan. 1998)

18. KadunaLieutenant Colonel Hameed Ali (16 Dec. 1997)

19. KanoColonel Dominic Oneya (20 Mar. 1998)

20. KatsinaColonel Samaila Bature Chamah (27 May 1998)

21. Kebbi Colonel John Ubah (12 Mar. 1998, 6 Aug. 1998)

22. KogiColonel Dzigu (Bzigu) Afakirya (29 Apr. 1998, 30 June 1998b)

23. KwaraColonel Peter Asam Mbu Ogar (3 June 1998b)

24. LagosColonel Muhammed Marwa (30 May 1998, 12 June 1998)

25. NasarawaWing Commander Abdulahi Ibrahim (26 May 1998, 15 June 1998)

26. NigerPolice Commissioner Simeon Odunoye (Oduoye) (21 May 1998, 2 July 1998)

27. OgunGroup Captain Sam Ewang (10 June 1998)

28. OndoNavy Commander Anthony Onyearugbulem (17 Mar. 1998)

29. OsunLieutenant Colonel Anthony Obi (25 Mar. 1998)

30. OyoColonel Ahmed Usman (1 June 1998, 30 June 1998a)

31. PlateauColonel Habeeb Shuaibu (3 June 1998c, 19 June 1998)

32. Rivers Colonel Musa Shehu (9 June 1998a)

33. SokotoNavy Captain Rasheed Adisa Raji (13 Feb. 1998)

34. TarabaPolice Commissioner Amen Oyakhire (19 Dec. 1997, 22 June 1998)

35. YobeGroup Captain John Ben-Kalo (Benkalo, Ben-Kalio) (3 Mar. 1998, 3 July 1998)

36. ZamfaraColonel Jibril Bala Yakubu (5 Feb. 1998, 16 Sept. 1998)

On 6 August 1998 it was reported that President Abdulsalami Abubakar had announced the creation of a new National Council of State, comprised of 36 state administrators (NTA Television Network 6 Aug. 1998; BBC 7 Aug. 1998). The following is the new list of states and their administrators (an asterisk after the name of the administrator indicates that the administrator occupied the same post at or before the time of former President Abacha's death):

1. AbiaLieutenant Colonel A.U. Obi

2. AdamawaLieutenant Colonel A.G. Hussaini3. Akwa Ibom Group Captain J. Ebieh

4. Anambra Wing Commander E.U. Okeigbu

5. Bauchi Wing Commander A.A. Nselia

6. Bayelsa Lieutenant Colonel P.E. Obi

7. Benue Colonel D.O. Oneya

8. BornoWing Commander L.N. Haruna

9. Cross River Commander C.I. Osondo

10. DeltaCommander W.A. Feyabor

11. Ebonyi Commissioner of Police S.O. Odueyo

12. Edo Commander Onyarugbulem

13. Ekiti Navy Captain M.A. Yusuf

14. Enugu Navy Captain A.B. Agbaje

15. GombeLieutenant Colonel M.I. Bawa

16. ImoColonel T.K. Zubairu*

17. Jigawa Lieutenant Colonel A.S. Zay Maimalari

18. KadunaColonel U.F. Ahmed

19. KanoColonel A.I. Kontagora

20. Katsina Lieutenant Colonel J.I. Akagagha

21. Kebbi Colonel S.B. Chamba

22. KogiColonel A.U. Anyebo

23. Kwara Lieutenant Colonel R.A. Shekoni

24. LagosColonel M.B. Marwa*

25. NasarawaLieutenant Colonel B.M. Mande26. Niger Colonel H.I. Shuaibu

27. Ogun Navy Captain K.L. Olofimoyin

28. Ondo Colonel M.O. Fasonya

29. OsunColonel T.O. Bamigboye

30. Oyo Commissioner of Police I. Oyahire

31. PlateauColonel M.S. Shehu

32. Rivers Group Captain S. Ewang

33. Sokoto Group Captain R. D. Garba

34. Taraba Group Captain A.J. Owoniyi

35. Yobe Colonel M. Mohammed

36. ZamfaraColonel J.B. Yakubu*

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

References

AFP (World Service) [Paris, in English]. 25 August 1998. "Nigeria: Nigeria ( Government Orders Probe of Previous Administrators." (FBIS-AFR-98-237 25 Aug. 1998/WNC)

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). 7 August 1998. "World: Africa: Nigeria Ruling Council Selects Top Jobs." [Internet] http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/africa/ [Accessed on 7 Aug. 1998]

NTA Television Network. [Lagos, in English]. 6 August 1998. "Nigeria ( New Council of State Appointed 6 Aug." (FBIS-AFR-98-218 6 Aug. 1998/WNC)

Post Express Wired [Lagos]. 16 September 1998. Doye Dappa. "Zamfara Set to Eradicate Guinea Worm Before 2000." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 26 August 1998. Vik Nwosu. "Administrator Laments PTF's Neglect of Imo." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 7 August 1998. "Garba Tasks Primary Education Board." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 6 August 1998. Ignatius Chukwu. "Administrator Decries Neglect of Agila." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 4 August 1998. "Ebonyi, Enugu Liabilities, Assets Put at N200m." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 31 July 1998. Iheanyi Amuta. "PTF to Fund Construction of Two New Seaports in Bayelsa." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 30 July 1998. "Gombe, FMBN Move to Ensure Smooth Housing Scheme." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 23 July 1998. Francis Onoiribholo. "Texaco Donates Fibreboats to Seven Communities in Bayelsa." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 16 July 1998. "Bawa Eulogises Abiola's Qualities." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 15 July 1998. Chris Oji. "PTF Boosts Enugu Water Project with N1b." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 3 July 1998. Mato Adamu. "Administrator, A-G Dragged to Court over Alleged N.5b Illegal Contract." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 2 July 1998. Abubakar Mohammed. "Administrators Warns [sic] Tax Collectors Against Embarrassing Payers." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 30 June 1998a. Frank Oshanugor. "Group Cautions Administrator over Plans to Evict Trader." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 5 Oct. 1998]

_____. 30 June 1998b. "Kogi Poly Begins Verification of Certificates." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 7 Oct. 1998]

_____. 25 June 1998. Mato Adamu. "Borno Alleges Embezzlement of N24m in Maiduguri International Hotel." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 23 June 1998. Jude Okwe. "Cross River Administrator Explains Abacha's Policies." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 22 June 1998. "Oyakhire Prays for Abacha." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 19 June 1998. Stephen Oboh. "Judge Describes Abacha as Friend of Judiciary." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 15 June 1998. Patrick Odey. "Military Will Support Democracy, Says Administrator." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 12 June 1998. "Fear over Oba Oyekan's Health." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 10 June 1998. Dimeji-Kayode Adedeji. "Gen Sani Abacha's Death Reactions from the States." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 9 June 1998a. Ifeanyi Amuta. "Rivers Administrator Tasks Environmentalists." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 9 June 1998b. Mfon Ekefre. "Akwa Ibom, UNICEF Sign Pact." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 5 June 1998. Buchy Enyinnaya. "Don't Award Degree to Dubious Characters, Administrator Urges." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 3 June 1998a. "Administrator Urges Ministries to Keep Records of National, International Events." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 3 June 1998b. "Cross River Honours Ani, Ogar, Two Others. [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 3 June 1998c. Stephen Oboh. "Students Hold Administrator's Son Hostage." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 1 June 1998. Ndaeyo Uko. "Honorary Decree." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 5 Oct. 1998]

_____. 30 May 1998. Okey Ifionu, Adeniyi Ojebisi. "Elaigwu on Why Abacha Should Quit Office." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 27 May 1998. Segun Olaniyan. "Gowon Pleads for Peaceful Co-Existence." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 26 May 1998. Patrick Odey. "Nasarawa Administrator Urges Communities to Unite." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 25 May 1998. "FG Urged to Regulate Importation of Beer." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 21 May 1998. Abubakar Muhammed. "Administrator Canvasses Compensation of Power-Generating States." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 18 May 1998. Chinyere Opara. "Culprits of Govt House Fire Arrested in Anambra." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 16 May 1998. Ehimen Imafidon. "Tanker Drivers' Boss Petitions Delta Police over Threat to His Life." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 15 May 1998. Sisaa Agboh, Chris Oji. "UAD Threatens Showdown over Planned Pro-Abacha Rally in Enugu." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 29 April 1998. Sabbath Abiodun. "Teachers Vow to Continue Strike Action." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 7 Oct. 1998]

_____. 20 April 1998. Emeka Anokwuru. "Administrator Reconstitutes Agric Board." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 14 April 1998. Atoki Ajibola. "Soldiers Manhandle Journalists." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 12 April 1998. Michael Omeife, Mfon Ekefre-Uyo, Josiah Emerole. "Christians Worldwide Celebrate Christ's Resurrection." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 25 March 1998. Fabian Ozor. "Group Institutes Scholarship for Best Law Student in LASU." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 20 March 1998. Bassey Inyang. "Nigeria Police Commend Kano Administrator." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 17 March 1998. "Onyearugbulem Lambastes Organisers of Anti-Abacha Rally in Lagos." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 7 Oct. 1998]

_____. 12 March 1998. Abubakar Umar. "Kebbi Administrator Under Fire over Remarks on Moslem Women." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 10 March 1998. "Coomassie Stresses Need for Non-Partisanship During Transition." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 3 March 1998. Nigeria Prays Not Political Group, Says Gowon. . [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 13 February 1998. Abubakar Umar. "Sokoto Pledges to Encourage Investors." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 5 February 1998. Doye Dappa. "Zamfara Administrator Swears in SSG." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 4 February 1998. Uche Nwosu. "Okezie Decries Youths' Preference for Wealth over Education." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 31 January 1998. Mato Adamu. "Borno Fire Service Gets New Equipment." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 27 January 1998. "Feghabo Attributes Development Efforts to God's Guidance." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 22 January 1998. Tijjani Waziri. "Students' Laziness, Incompetence Blamed on Preferential Admission." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 5 January 1998. "Jigawa Administrator Assures of Economic Palliative Measures." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 19 December 1997. Mato Adamu. "Taraba Administrator Unhappy with Reception at Borno." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]

_____. 16 December 1997. "Kaduna Appoints Commissioners at Last." [Internet] www.postexpresswired.com/ [Accessed on 2 Oct. 1998]