Nigerian government suspends satellite commission, NIGCOMSAT, boss over alleged graft

The MD was sent away on leave to pave way for investigation into the financial status of the company.

The Board of Directors of the Nigerian Communications Satellite, NIGCOMSAT, Ltd on Monday directed the Managing Director, Timasaniyu Ahmed-Rufai, to proceed on indefinite leave.

In a statement in Lagos, NIGCOMSAT said that the indefinite leave followed a ministerial directive by the Communications Technology Minister, Omobola Johnson.

It said the directive was to pave way for an investigation into the financial status of the company.

Mr. Ahmed-Rufai started as Project Manager of NigComSat-1, before the establishment of NIGCOMSAT Ltd in April 2006.

He was named Managing Director/Chief Executive of the company in 2006.

“‘Consequently, Ms. Abimbola Alale, the Executive Director (Marketing), NIGCOMSAT, has been named Acting Managing Director, pending the conclusion of the investigation,” the statement said.

The statement said that Ms. Alale started as a member of the Project team and was appointed Director of Marketing of NIGCOMSAT Ltd in 2006.

She rose to the position of Executive Director Marketing, until her recent appointment as the Acting Managing Director.