The trial of former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Kabiru Turaki alongside his personal assistant, Sampson Okpetu, and two companies; Samtee Essentials Limited and Pasco Investment Limited continued on Wednesday, before the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The second prosecution witness, Remigius Ugwu, who is a Compliance Officer with Zenith Bank, was led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Farouk Abdallah.
Ugwu revealed that on January 19, 2015, the sum of three hundred and fifty-nine million Naira, one hundred and four thousand was transferred to the Minister’s account and that before the transfer, the balance in the account was two thousand, six hundred and fourteen Naira, thirty-eight Kobo.
He further disclosed that on January 22, 2015, there was another transfer of N45 million from one Abdullahi Bagudu’s account. Fifty million Naira was also moved from the account to that of one Titus Okunriboye on January 27, 2015, while SAMTEE Essentials Limited got N20 million.
Some related documents were also presented as exhibits and were all admitted in evidence by the court.
Upon cross-examination by defence counsel, Joe Kyari Gadzama, the witness told the court that he was not aware Turaki had any other bank account, apart from the one he tendered before the court.
Justice Inyang Ekwo adjourned till September 24, 2020, for continuation of trial.
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is prosecuting Turaki on a 16-count charge, bordering on misappropriation of funds to the tune of seven hundred and fourteen million, six hundred and seventy thousand and fourteen Naira.
Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe
