The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs on Wednesday cleared Ayodele Oke, Kayode Are, and Aminu Dalhatu after an intense screening session at the National Assembly.
The three nominees were part of the first batch transmitted by President Bola Tinubu to the upper chamber for confirmation.
The session focused heavily on national security concerns, past service records and controversies surrounding previous operational decisions—particularly in the case of Oke, the former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).
Oke, who also previously served as Nigeria’s ambassador to the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, addressed allegations that resurfaced following his nomination.
In April 2017, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reported that it had discovered $43 million, £27,000, and N23 million in an apartment in Ikoyi, Lagos.
Subsequent media reports claimed the funds were linked to covert NIA operations during Oke’s tenure.
Another report indicated that the NIA collected $289,202,382 in cash from the account of the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) at the Central Bank of Nigeria in February 2015 after the postponement of the general election.
Oke said the matters were “already in the public domain” but stressed that he would not disclose sensitive operational details.
He said the NIA achieved “unprecedented progress—organisational, operational and infrastructural” under his leadership between 2013 and 2017.
He also said he built “the best conference centre in the country”, recalling that the site of the Centre was an empty field when he assumed office.
Regarding the controversial covert operation, Oke insisted that it received presidential approval from “two presidents” and was executed strictly in the interest of national security.
He quoted an author, Philip Yancey, and likened his ordeal to the biblical trials of Joseph, Job, Esther and Ruth, saying he endured the turbulence “with equanimity”.
Oke revealed that the event took a personal toll, claiming his 86-year-old mother died partly from distress caused by “lies and damaging narratives” against him.
For his part, Are, a former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and Dalhatu, who served as Nigeria’s ambassador to South Korea, were also examined on national security issues, diplomatic challenges and their professional track records.
Committee members commended Oke for his detailed explanations and acknowledged the sensitive nature of the issues raised.
Chairman of the Committee, Senator Sani Bello, reminded the nominees of the need to formally consult with senators from their home states, stating that endorsement from at least two senators remains a requirement for clearance.
He described all three nominees as “very good choice,” citing their extensive experience in intelligence, diplomacy and public administration.
Following deliberations, the committee unanimously recommended their confirmation by the Senate.