Babcock University denies involvement in international spy tech dealings
Babcock University has dismissed reports linking it to alleged purchases of Israeli surveillance technology, calling the claims “false and misleading.”
In a statement released on Thursday, Dr Johnson Akintayo, the university’s Associate Vice-President for Communication, Media and Branding, said the institution has never acquired equipment from Israel nor engaged in any counter-terrorism, intelligence, or security operations.
“Following the circulation of the report, the university conducted a thorough internal review of its procurement, financial, and administrative records,” the statement read. “This review confirms that the allegations are entirely unfounded. As a faith-based institution committed to academic excellence and ethical governance, all acquisitions follow stringent approval and oversight procedures in line with national and international standards.”
The clarification comes after a report by Aljazeera citing an investigation by Drop Site News suggested that the late financier Jeffrey Epstein and former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak worked together to market surveillance technologies to Nigeria. The investigation alleged that these deals targeted sectors such as oil, logistics, and cyber infrastructure.
According to the report, emails released by the US Department of Justice showed Epstein and Barak framing West African conflicts as business opportunities, using Israeli-developed “field-proven” security systems—originally deployed in Palestinian territories—as part of commercial pitches. The documents also claim that some of these technologies were introduced to Nigerian institutions, including Babcock University, under the guise of security measures.
Babcock University firmly rejected these suggestions, emphasising that it remains dedicated to integrity, transparency, and responsible governance. The institution reaffirmed its commitment to its students, staff, alumni, and partners, insisting that it has no connection to the transactions outlined in the Aljazeera report.
The Aljazeera investigation also noted that Epstein facilitated high-level business arrangements, including with the UAE logistics company DP World, and that Barak’s involvement in Israeli cybersecurity ventures intersected with Nigerian initiatives. Babcock University, however, stressed that it played no role in these commercial or security dealings.
The university concluded by distancing itself from any insinuation that contradicts its core mission and values, highlighting that all institutional activities strictly adhere to regulatory frameworks and ethical standards.
