Nigeria’s former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro has told a Federal High Court in Abuja that ex Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose received over N6.9bn in election funds while serving in office.
In the hearing of the alleged N6.9 billion fraud case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against a former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, the witness narrated how N1.219bn cash was airlifted to support the election of the ex-Governor.
According to Obanikoro, the inability of a defunct Bank, Diamond Bank, to handle huge amount of money prompted the airlifting of the cash money.
Fayose and a company, Spotless Investment Limited are standing trial on an 11 count charge bordering on money laundering and stealing to the tune of N6.9 billion.
Led in evidence by the Counsel for the EFCC, Wahab Shittu (SAN), Obanikoro explained that the money came from the office of the former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), adding that only he could explain its source.
He also denied taking out the money as speculated in a report by an online media platform
Obanikoro in his testimony said he had a call conversation with the NSA and was told he would get back to him, After which N2.2 billion was paid into the account of Sylvan Mcnamara Lomited.
He said the money came from the NSA and it’s only the NSA that can explain the source of the fund.
While reiterating that the Bank lacked the capacity to handle the situation, Obanikoro said it was a last-minute decision to ferry the money to Ekiti from Lagos in two tranches.
After listening to Obanikoro’s testimony, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba adjourned the case till February 27, 2024 for continuation of hearing.
Editor: Ken Eseni
