Babcock University Firmly Rejects Allegations of Involvement in Epstein-Barak Spy Tech Deals
Babcock University has issued a comprehensive denial of claims connecting it to alleged Israeli surveillance or biometric technology procurement tied to foreign intelligence dealings involving convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein and former Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak. The institution described recent reports as entirely false and misleading, following an internal investigation.
University Conducts Thorough Internal Review
In response to allegations published by Al Jazeera suggesting that biometric equipment developed in Israel was supplied to the university as part of wider security dealings in Nigeria, Babcock University launched an immediate internal review. The investigation covered procurement, financial, and administrative records spanning multiple years.
Dr. Johnson Akintayo, Associate Vice President for Communication, Media and Branding, stated that the review confirmed the claims referencing the institution were "entirely unfounded, spurious, baseless and false." The university emphasized it had never procured equipment from Israel and had no involvement in any such transactions.
Institutional Integrity and Compliance Emphasized
The university highlighted its commitment to strict procurement rules, regulatory compliance, and institutional oversight. "As a faith-based institution grounded in academic excellence, ethical governance, and regulatory compliance, the university operates under clearly defined procurement procedures aligned with national laws and internationally recognized accountability standards," the statement added.
Babcock University further clarified that it has never participated in counterterrorism, surveillance, intelligence, or related security operations. The institution dissociated itself from any insinuation that contradicted its mission, values, or governance framework, reaffirming its dedication to integrity, transparency, and responsible leadership.
Background of the Allegations
The denial followed a detailed investigation alleging that Epstein and Barak worked for years to market surveillance technology in Nigeria. The report claimed the pair used instability caused by the Boko Haram insurgency to promote security solutions as an entry point into the country's oil, logistics, and infrastructure sectors.
According to the investigation:
- Emails released by the United States Department of Justice showed the two men discussing how violence in West Africa could be converted into business opportunities
- Security proposals were often linked to broader commercial interests
- Biometric systems described as "field-proven" were marketed to Nigerian institutions
- Similar technology had been deployed against Palestinians and later pitched to Nigerian authorities and private entities
Wider Geopolitical and Business Connections
The investigation also connected the alleged deals to global firms and senior figures, including logistics giant DP World. It suggested security cooperation was sometimes used as a gateway to discussions around ports, cyber infrastructure, and energy investments in Nigeria.
Epstein's correspondence with Barak reportedly showed efforts to navigate sanctions and build relationships with senior Nigerian officials. The report further claimed that Israeli defense and cyber firms benefited from these connections, despite legislative concerns raised within Nigeria.
University's Final Position
Babcock University concluded its statement by urging the public to disregard claims linking it to espionage or foreign surveillance activities. The institution maintained it had no role in any such arrangements and emphasized its focus remains on academic excellence and ethical governance.
The university's response comes amid broader revelations about Epstein's business interests in Nigeria, including previously reported email correspondence showing his interest in trading Nigeria's crude oil while expressing concerns about potential fraud in such transactions.
