Obanikoro, the twelfth witness in the prosecution of Ekiti’s former Governor Fayose for alleged fraud and money laundering, testified that about N1.2 billion was deposited in an account previously operated by his son for use of clandestine security operations in Lagos via NSA.
He recalled receiving a phone call from Fayose enquiring if he had received any money from the office of the National Security Adviser, to which Obanikoro replied no.
Later when the money did arrive, it was split into two batches and transferred by plane from Lagos.
The witness remembered seeing an aide to the defendant approach him on arrival at Akure with a bullion van to collect the cash.
After calling Fayose and informing him of this development, he proceeded to meet with him at a hotel in Ado-Ekiti where he handed over part of the money in dollars and part in Naira.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is alleging that these funds were used in helping secure Fayose’s re-election as governor of Ekiti during 2014 elections.
The EFCC has charged the defendants with sections 15 (1), 15 (2), 15 (3), 16(2) (b), 16 (d) and 18(c) of the Money Laundering Prevention Act 2011 for unlawfully taking control of about N622 million, procuring De Privateer Ltd. and Still Earth Ltd., illegally retaining N851 million as well as using crime proceeds worth N1.6 billion to acquire property across Abuja, Lagos and other areas.
Article updated 2 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
