According to some sources, the acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, ordered the raid following a meeting with the acting Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu; and the new DSS boss, Matthew Seyifa, on Wednesday.

It is gathered that operatives of the anti-graft agency stormed Mr Ekpeyong’s home just before noon today and the ex-DG of SSS was arrested at his 46, Maman Nasir Street, Asokoro, Abuja residence this afternoon by operatives of the anti-graft agency.

The operatives then searched the mansion for over two hours before leaving at 3.20pm. It was observed that no cash was recovered.

It would be recalled that an attempt was previously made to search it in November 2017, but  the recently sacked DG boss, Mr Lawal Daura prevented it, despite a court order, sparking a stand-off that nearly turned fatal between SSS and EFCC operatives.

The EFCC at the time had accused Mr Ekpeyong of being culpable in the arms purchase scandal that rocked the exit of President Goodluck Jonathan. Scores of individuals and firms have been identified as allegedly sharing in the mismanaged funds, which were earmarked for the war against Boko Haram.

It was not immediately clear whether today’s raid at Mr Ekpeyong’s home, which government gave to him after his exit as DG of SSS, was a continuation of the botched search from last year.

Mr Ekpeyong led the SSS between 2010 and 2015 when President Muhammadu Buhari replaced him with Lawal Daura, himself now removed from office.