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  • Bank’s videos didn’t show I collected election funds: Belgore

    Hearing continued on Tuesday in the N450m money laundering case against Muhammad Dele Belgore (SAN), with at least two videos of the transactions of March 26 and 27, 2015 at a Bank shown in the open court.

    The videos were shown at the instance of Belgore to support his defense that he only signed for the money as coordinator of the Goodluck Jonathan Presidential Campaign in Kwara while the withdrawal of the funds were made by PDP stakeholders assigned to use the money for various campaign logistics.

    An official of the bank and witness to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had said in his testimony last year that Belgore collected the money and that CCTV footages of the day’s transactions would show how the senior lawyer had collected the money.

    But testifying in the court after the videos were played, Belgore said the footages neither showed him nor anyone known to him.

    Asked to describe what he saw in the footages, the lawyer said: “I noticed on the top left of the video of what looked like a date which read 08/02/17. I also noted another date on the bottom of the same video which read 26/03.15. I also noticed there was a time that was ticking and that that time began at 9am.

    “In regards to the second video, I also noticed at the top left corner there was a date that read 08/02/17. I also noticed a time that began at about 3pm. At the bottom there was another date 27/3/15. I know that as to regards to the first date 08/02/17, this case had already started. Charges had already been filed.

    “I also noticed that there were various screenshots of the different places the camera were located in the bank, both outside and inside. However, I did not see myself in either of the videos. I also couldn’t make out anybody I knew.”

    Belgore also denied claims that he had knowledge that the money had been sent by some oil marketers or the bank had been instructed by the former petroleum former minister, Mrs Diezani Allison-Madueke to pay him the money.

    “Prosecurion Witness (PW1) and PW2 (EFCC investigators) said the money was paid out on Diezani’s instructions. I have no information about that. I never met her,” Belgore said.

    “I have never spoken with her. I never dealt with or spoken with anybody claiming to be acting on her behalf.”

    He said he had only received a call from the PDP headquarters that N450m was being sent to Kwara as campaign funds — following a request by the state chapter of the party for some money for campaign logistics and payment for agents.

    Belgore said he believed the money had been raised from the PDP fundraising for the 2015 presidential election, insisting he had no knowledge that the funds had come from elsewhere. The first video clip lasted for about 55 minutes, while the second one lasted for one and a half hours.

    Just before the close of proceedings, Mr Ebun Sofunde SAN, counsel to Belgore, told the court that he had applied for another subpoena for the bank to produce another video clip of the period in which Belgore was in the bank.

    Justice Aikawa replied that he had signed the application for the subpoena.

    Justice Aikawa adjourned until March 27 and April 10 for continuation of trial.

     

     

  • I had no dealings with Diezani, says Belgore

    A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Dele Belgore on Tuesday told the Federal High Court in Lagos that he never met or dealt with former Petroleum Resources Minister Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke.

    He said he was not aware that the N450 million he signed for in 2015 came from her.

    Belgore, who was the Goodluck Jonathan Presidential Campaign Organisation coordinator in Kwara State during the 2015 general elections, was testifying in his trial before Justice Rilwan Aikawa.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged him, former National Planning Minister Prof Abubakar Suleiman and Mrs. Madueke (said to be at large) with money laundering.

    In the nine-count charge, EFCC accused them of making cash payment of N10million to Kwara State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Dr Emmanuel Onucheyo.

    The commission said they also paid N10million to a Commissioner of Police Garba Saliu on March 27, 2015 without going through a financial institution.

    The sums, the commission said, exceeded the amount authorised by law and violated Sections 1(a) and 16 (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act of 2012 and punishable under Section 16 (2) (b).

    EFCC said they “directly took possession of the sum N450million,” which they allegedly indirectly spent, adding that they “reasonably ought to have known [that the money] forms part of the proceeds of unlawful act.”

    Belgore and Suleiman pleaded not guilty.

    Read Also: Belgore: How N450m was shared in Kwara

    Two prosecution witnesses had testified that Mrs. Madueke collected N23billion from three oil marketers – Northern Belt Ltd, Actus Integrated Ltd, Midwestern Company and one Mr Leno Laitan, ahead of the 2015 general elections, and that it was part of the money that Belgore signed for.

    But, Belgore, who said he did not know the companies, explained how he came about the N450million.

    “I don’t know any of the said marketers that PW1 claimed provided the money. I never met or dealt with them.

    “PW1 and PW2 (EFCC investigators) said the money was paid out on Diezani’s instructions. I have no information about that. I never met her.

    “I have never spoken with her. I never dealt with or spoken with anybody claiming to be acting on her behalf,” he stressed.

    Belgore said he was made to believe that the money was from the Campaign Organisation and not from another source.

    “On the contrary, we asked the Presidential Campaign headquarters for funds for the election because there were agitations from candidates and stakeholders for funds. We were told there were no funds available, but that a series of fund raising activities had been lined up.

    “I know that funds were indeed raised. I also know that within a very short time, the headquarters called me and said the funds were available.

    “On March 26, 2015, I received a call from the Financial Director of the Campaign Organisation Mrs. Nenadi Usman that the money had been sent.

    “There was no basis, evidence or indication that the money came from any other place other than the Presidential Campaign Headquarters.

    “As a matter of fact, it was during my interrogation in November 2016 that I first heard from PW2 that said funds did not come from the Presidential Campaign Headquarters as I was made to believe.

    “Up until then, no one other than PW1 and PW2 had told me that the N450million did not come from the fundraising activities conducted by the Presidential Campaign Organisation,” Belgore said.

    Two separate video clips from bank CCTV cameras recordings were shown in court.

    They were tendered by Belgore to prove that he did not leave the bank with the money even though he signed for it.

    “I did not see myself in the first and second videos. I could not make out anybody I knew in them,” he said.

    The first clip lasted for about 55 minutes, while the second one lasted for one and a half hours.

    Justice Aikawa adjourned until March 27 and April 10 for continuation of trial.

  • Belgore: How N450m was shared in Kwara

    A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr Dele Belgore, yesterday told the Federal High Court in Lagos that he did not personally share the N450million he signed for in 2015.

    Belgore, who was Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential campaign coordinator in Kwara State during the 2015 general elections, said the money was for party men and agents and not for his personal benefit.

    According to him, although he signed for the money at the bank, he did not take it away.

    Belgore was testifying in his defence before Justice Rilwan Aikawa in a money laundering charge brought against him and former National Planning Minister Prof Abubakar Suleiman by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Former Petroleum Resources Minister Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke is also named in the charge. EFCC said she is “at large”.

    The prosecution said they “directly took possession of the sum N450million,” adding that they “reasonably ought to have known [that the money] forms part of the proceeds of unlawful act.”

    Led in evidence by his lawyer Ebun Shofunde (SAN), Belgore said as coordinator, it was his responsibility to ensure that the money was sent to PDP candidates, party leaders and stakeholders at ward levels.

    “The money was not meant for me. As a matter of fact, there was never any intention for me to collect the money personally,” he said.

    Belgore had earlier testified that he went to the bank to sign for the money along with Sulieman but never took it away as his car could not contain it.

    Asked if he went back to get the money with a bigger car, he said: “I did not take any steps regarding collection of the money from the bank, because as I have said, the money was meant for stakeholders. They were the ones who took steps to collect it.

    “My position has always been that I never took possession of the money, either in cash, cheque, bank transfer or any other means. That remains my position till date.”

    Belgore said he told the EFCC operative who interviewed him, Usman Zakari, that he never took the money from the bank.

    “Zakari showed me a copy of a document (acknowledging receipt) and asked me to confirm whether it was my signature on it.

    “I did confirm that it was my signature. I told him that I didn’t have the money and never had it.

    “He said as far as he was concerned, it was my name that was on Exhibit 1A and that I confirmed that I signed it, and therefore I was the one to pay back the money.

    “Again I responded that the money was not meant for me, I never took it, but it was taken by stakeholders – candidates, party officials, agents, etc for the purpose of the 2015 election.”

    Belgore said he told EFCC in one of his several statements that “we left the money in the bank for safekeeping”.

    Justice Aikawa adjourned until March 5 when a video of what transpired when Belgore visited the bank will be viewed in court  He admitted the flash drives containing the clips in evidence.

  • I didn’t receive N450m in cash – Belgore

    A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mr Dele Belgore on Monday told the Federal High Court in Lagos that he did not receive the N450million he was accused of laundering in cash.

    Testifying in his defence before Justice Rilwan Aikawa, Belgore admitted being invited by the bank manager on March 26, 2015.

    He said he could not move the money because it was too risky to do so two days to election.

    The Kwara State Coordinator of the President Goodluck Jonathan Presidential Campaign Organisation said he realised that the money was too huge for his Toyota Prado jeep.

    “I indicated to PW1 (bank manager) that I could not collect the money and I gave two reasons.

    “First, I said this money was coming two days before the election; all the stakeholders and party members were aware of the arrival of the money.

    “Therefore, I did not consider it safe to move such a huge amount of money out of the bank in the middle of the night.

    “The second reason was that I did not come prepared to receive and take away such a large amount of money, as I came only in my vehicle, a Toyota Prado jeep.

    “As I said earlier, the heap of cash that I saw in the bank’s loading bay was at least three to four feet high.

    “So, I told PW1 that if it took a bullion van to transport the cash from the Central Bank of Nigeria to Fidelity Bank, there was no way I would be able to evacuate those funds with my Toyota Prado.”

    Belgore said he signed for the money and agreed to leave it in the bank’s vault.

    “After signing the document, I left the bank without the money. I did not take a penny out of the bank; I left the bank empty-handed,” he said.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Belgore with a former National Planning Minister Prof Abubakar Suleiman and former Petroleum Resources Minister Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke (who is said to be at large).

    EFCC said they “directly took possession of the sum N450million,” adding that they “reasonably ought to have known [that the money] forms part of the proceeds of unlawful act.”

    It also accused them of “indirectly” using the sum of N450million on March 27, 2015 and making cash payment of N450million, which exceeded the amount authorised by law.

    In the nine-count amended charge, EFCC accused Alison-Madueke, Belgore and Suleiman of making cash payment of N10million to a Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Kwara State Dr Emmanuel Onucheyo.

    The commission said they also paid N10million to a Commissioner of Police in the state Garba Saliu.

    According to EFCC, they allegedly made the payments on March 27, 2015 without going through a financial institution.

    The sums, the commission said, exceeded the amount authorised by law and violated Section 1(a) and Section 16 (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act of 2012 and punishable under Section 16 (2) (b).

    The defendants were also accused in the amended charge of making cash payment of N61,656,000 to Isa Biu on the same day, exceeding what is authorised by law.

    EFCC said they also paid N87,962,000 to Sola Adeoti and Hajiya Dankaka on the same day “without going through a financial institution.”

    According to the commission, Mrs Alison-Madueke, Belgore and Sulieman, on the same day, made cash payment of N50million to one Sheriff Shagaya, an amount exceeding what is authorised by law.

    They pleaded not guilty.

    Justice Aikawa adjourned until February 28.

  • Accident: Belgore, Kwara APC governorship candidate mourn members

    The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and the 2011 governorship candidate of defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Mr Mohammed Belgore, have mourned the five chieftains of the party who died in a ghastly motor accident.

    The APC chieftains died on Sunday in an auto crash on Oke-Onigbin-Omu-Aran road.

    In a statement, Abdulrazaq said: “I received with sadness the loss of five members of our party in an auto crash as they travelled to Omu-Aran to celebrate the victory of our party in the Saturday by-election.

    “Six party chieftains also sustained injuries in the accident and are now being treated at the Landmark University Medical Centre in Omu-Aran.

    “My condolences go to the families, friends and associates of these compatriots. May God grant them the strength to bear the losses and repose the souls of our departed compatriots. I also commiserate with our party on this sad incident while also wishing the injured quick recovery. “As I said during my earlier visits to the bereaved (families) and those injured, we will ensure they get all the support required at this very trying moment.

    “Also, we will henceforth work with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to ensure that all our members are trained on how to keep to safety guidelines while the campaign lasts.”

    In a statement yesterday, Belgore said: “My condolences go to the families of the deceased as well as to the party. I pray the Almighty God to give them the fortitude to bear this unfortunate loss and for the repose of the souls of our fellow party men who died in the crash. I also pray for speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries.”

     

  • Money laundering: Court dismisses Belgore’s application

    The Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday dismissed an application filed by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Dele Belgore, who urged the court to compel the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to produce all the statements he made to the Commission.

    EFCC charged Belgore, former Minister of National Planning, Prof. Abubakar Suleiman and former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, who is said to be “at large”, with money laundering.

    The court had dismissed the defendants’ no-case submission, after which Belgore’s lawyer asked the court to order the EFCC to produce other statements he made that were not tendered in court.

    His lawyer, Seni Adio (SAN), argued that the additional statements were needed to enable Belgore defend himself in court.

    He said: “The defendant knows how many statements he made. We need those statements to be complete and on record.”

    Ruling on Wednesday, Justice Rilwan Aikawa held that the application was an abuse of court process as the issue had been dealt with in the no-case application that was dismissed earlier.

    He noted that there was no proof as to the existence of other statements made by Belgore.

    The trial could not go on as Abubakar said he needed to change his lawyer.

    He was previously represented by Chief Tunji Ayanlaja (SAN).

    In a nine-count amended charge, EFCC said the defendants “directly took possession of N450million,” adding that they “reasonably ought to have known [that the money] formed part of the proceeds of unlawful act.”

     

     

  • Belgore: I have no case to answer in ‘N450m fraud’

    Belgore: I have no case to answer in ‘N450m fraud’

    A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Dele Belgore, has filed a no-case submission to a N650 million money laundering charge filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Belgore’s co-defendant, former National Planning Minister Prof Abubakar Suleiman also filed a similar application before Justice Rilwan Aikawa of the Federal High Court, Lagos.

    In effect, they intend not to call any witnesses to defend themselves because they believe the prosecution did not present a strong case against them

    Both men urged Justice Aikawa to discharge and let them go.

    Former Petroleum Resources Minister Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke is also named in the charge. EFCC said she is “at large”.

    The defendants were accused of collecting a cash sum of N450m from Mrs Alison-Madueke in the build-up to the 2015 general elections.

    After calling two witnesses and tendering a number of exhibits, the EFCC closed its case against the defendants last November 28, leaving the floor for them to open their defence.

    Oyedepo said the anti-graft agency believed it had already established its allegations against Belgore and his co-defendant.

    At the resumed proceedings yesterday, defence counsel, Mr. Ebun Shofunde (SAN) and Olatunji Ayanlaja (SAN), told the court that they had filed no-case submissions on behalf of their clients.

    Justice Rilwan Aikawa adjourned till February 15, 2018 to hear the defendants.

    The duo was first arraigned on five counts on February 8, 2017 before the Federal High Court in Lagos. The EFCC subsequently amended the charges on two occasions.

    In the nine-count amended charge, EFCC accused Mrs Alison-Madueke, Belgore and Suleiman of making cash payment of N10million to a Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Dr Emmanuel Onucheyo.

    The commission said they also paid N10million to a Commissioner of Police Garba Saliu.

    EFCC also alleged that the defendants “directly took possession of the sum N450million.”

    They were accused of handling the sum without going through any financial institution, contrary to the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.

    They were also accused of paying N50m cash to one Sheriff Shagaya; N61,656,000 cash to one Isa Biu and N87,962,000 to the duo of Sola Adeoti and Hajiya Farida Dankaka.

  • N450m fraud: I have no case to answer – Belgore

    N450m fraud: I have no case to answer – Belgore

    A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Dele Belgore, has filed a no-case submission on a N650 million money laundering charge filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Belgore’s co-defendant, a former Minister of National Planning, Prof. Abubakar Suleiman, also filed a similar application before Justice Rilwan Aikawa of the Federal High Court, Lagos.

    In effect, the duo have no intention of calling any witnesses to defend them because the prosecution did not present a strong case against them.

    Both men urged Justice Aikawa to discharge and acquit them on the charges.

    The former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, is also named in the charge.

    EFCC said she is “at large.”

    The defendants were accused of collecting a cash sum of N450million from Mrs. Alison-Madueke in the build-up to the 2015 general elections.

    After calling two witnesses and tendering a number of exhibits, the EFCC closed its case against the defendants on November 28 last year, leaving the floor for them to open their defence.

    Oyedepo said the anti-graft agency believed it had already established prima facie case against Belgore and his co-defendant.

    At the resumed proceedings on Tuesday, defence counsel, Mr. Ebun Shofunde (SAN) and Olatunji Ayanlaja (SAN), told the court that they had filed no-case submissions on behalf of their clients.

    Justice Rilwan Aikawa adjourned till February 15, 2018 to hear the defendants.

    The duo was first arraigned on a five- count charge on February 8, 2017 before the Federal High Court in Lagos. The EFCC subsequently amended the charges on two occasions.

    In the nine-count amended charge, EFCC accused Mrs. Alison-Madueke, Belgore and Suleiman of making cash payment of N10million to a Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Emmanuel Onucheyo.

    The Commission said they also paid N10million to a Commissioner of Police, Garba Saliu.

    EFCC also alleged that the defendants “directly took possession of N450million.”

    They were accused of handling the sum without going through any financial institution, contrary to the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.

     

     

  • Belgore, Suleiman to make no-case submission as EFCC closes case

    Belgore, Suleiman to make no-case submission as EFCC closes case

    THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday re-arraigned a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Dele Belgore and former National Planning Minister Prof. Abubakar Suleiman for alleged money laundering.

    It also closed its case.

    The defendants told Justice Rilwan Aikawa of the Federal High Court in Lagos of their intention to file no-case submissions.

    In effect, they intend not to call any witnesses to defend themselves because they believe the prosecution did not present a strong case against them.

    The judge, however, can dismiss the submissions and direct them to open their defence.

    Former Petroleum Resources Minister Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke is also named in the charge. EFCC said she is “at large”.

    In the nine-count amended charge, EFCC accused Mrs. Alison-Madueke, Belgore and Suleiman of making cash payment of N10 million to a Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Dr. Emmanuel Onucheyo.

    The commission said they also paid N10 million to a Commissioner of Police Garba Saliu.

    EFCC also alleged that the defendants “directly took possession of N450 million,” adding that they “reasonably ought to have known that the money forms part of the proceeds of unlawful act.”

    They pleaded not guilty to the second amended charge.

    Prosecuting counsel Rotimi Oyedepo said he had no more witnesses to call.

    Two witnesses testified in the trial which began on February 8.

    EFCC also tended several documents, including those showing how the N450 million allegedly received from Mrs. Alison-Madueke was “shared”.

    Also tended is a receipt, which they allegedly signed to acknowledge receiving the money.

    Defence counsel Mr. Ebun Shofunde (SAN) and Olatunji Ayanlaja (SAN) indicated that they would file no-case submissions on their clients’ behalf.

    According to EFCC, the defendants allegedly made the payments on March 27, 2015 without going through a financial institution.

    The sums, the commission said, exceeded the amount authorised by law and violated Sections 1(a) and 16 (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act of 2012 and punishable under Section 16 (2) (b).

    The defendants were further accused of making cash payment of N61,656,000 to Isa Biu on the same day, exceeding what is authorised by law.

    EFCC said they also paid N87,962,000 to Sola Adeoti and Hajiya Dankaka on the same day “without going through a financial institution”.

    The prosecution accused them of “indirectly” using the sum of N450 million on March 27, 2015, and of making cash payment of N450 million, which exceeded the amount authorised by law.

    Justice Aikawa adjourned till January 16 next year.

     

     

     

     

     

  • EFCC amends charge against Diezani, Belgore, Suleiman

    EFCC amends charge against Diezani, Belgore, Suleiman

    •Accuses defendants of paying Kwara REC, CP N10m each

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC ) has amended the charge filed against a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mr Dele Belgore and former National Planning Minister Prof Abubakar Suleiman.

    Former Petroleum Resources Minister Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke is also named in the charge. EFCC said she is “at large”.

    Belgore and Suleiman, who were arraigned on February 8, are on trial before Justice Rilwan Aikawa of the Federal High Court in Lagos.

    In the nine-count amended charge, EFCC accused Alison-Madueke, Belgore and Suleiman of making cash payment of N10million to Kwara State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Dr Emmanuel Onucheyo.

    The commission said they also paid N10million to a Commissioner of Police Garba Saliu.

    According to EFCC, the defendants allegedly made the payments on March 27, 2015 without going through a financial institution.

    The sums, the commission said, exceeded the amount authorised by law and violated Sections 1(a) and 16 (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act of 2012 and punishable under Section 16 (2) (b).

    The defendants were accused of making cash payment of N61,656,000 to Isa Biu on the same day, exceeding what is authorised by law.

    EFCC said they also paid N87,962,000 to Sola Adeoti and Hajiya Dankaka on the same day “without going through a financial institution.”

    The prosecution, as in the previous charge, accused the defendants of violating the Money Laundering Act by dealing in excess cash without going through a financial institution.

    EFCC said they “directly took possession of the sum N450million,” adding that they “reasonably ought to have known [that the money] forms part of the proceeds of unlawful act.”

    It also accused them of “indirectly” using the sum of N450million on March 27, 2015, and of making cash payment of N450million, which exceeded the amount authorised by law.

    According to the commission, Mrs Alison-Madueke, Belgore and Sulieman, on the same day, made cash payment of N50million to one Sheriff Shagaya, an amount in excess of what the law allowed.

    Count one of the charge reads: “That you Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke (still at large), Muhammad Dele Belgore and Prof Abubakar Sulaiman on or about the 27th day of March in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court conspired amongst yourselves to directly take possession of the sum of N450,000,000, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of unlawful act and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act 2012 and punishable under Section 15 (3) and (4) of the same Act.”

    The amended charge is dated November 22 and signed by Rotimi Oyedepo.

    Belgore and Suleiman are expected to be re-arraigned tomorrow.