The General-Evangelist of the Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide, Prophet Kayode Abiara has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to pardon the looters of the $2.1bn arms funds, provided they return the money.

Abiara said the federal government should not waste time on the probe and prosecution of suspects in the diversion of arms procurement funds, but should rather endeavour to recover the loot and pardon the suspects.

In an interview with Vanguard, Abiara said: “We thank God for this new government because President Muhammadu Buhari is trying to right the wrongs of many decades. I know that the President wants to recover a lot of stolen funds stashed in any part of the world and I applaud him for that.”

“I don’t see anything wrong in telling looters to refund all the money they stole. But I believe the recent trial of some suspects should be hastened up and they should be permitted to refund the money. Buhari should pardon them if they return the money and then, let’s move the country forward. There is a lot of work to be done in the country, especially on our dwindling economy. We should not waste time on the arms probe and the prosecution of suspects. We need to move on. I pray that all the recovered money will be judiciously used.”

“They should be pardoned as long as they refund all the stolen funds to government’s coffers. Even Jesus Christ said if anyone confesses his sins, he should be pardoned.”

“If the Federal Government pardons the looters, those who want to steal would still steal. If they are not pardoned, it does not stop people from stealing. I am not against bringing thieves to book and I believe prosecuting them will serve as a deterrent to others.”

“Even God say, ‘thou shall not steal.’ But the Holy Books also talked about pardoning sinners. Remember that Jesus Christ prayed for a thief while he was on the cross. What I am advocating is for the government to recover the stolen money, utilise the money, stabilise the economy and move the country forward.”