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Tag: Dasukigate

  • Dasuki billions not illicit – Obanikoro

    A former Minister of State for defence Senator Musiliu Obanikoro on Tuesday told the Federal High Court in Lagos that the N4.6billion sent to him from the Office of the National Security (ONSA) in 2014 was not illicit fund.

    He said he was worried the huge sums he received from former National Security Adviser (NSA) Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) “for security purposes” were described as illicit.

    Obanikoro, the fifth prosecution witness, spoke at the continuation of his cross-examination in the trial of former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose for money laundering.

    He said: “The NSA has the responsibility for coordination of security in the country.

    “He coordinates all the security agencies. Some of their operations are clandestine and are usually not documented.

    “It borders me as a person that clandestine operations of the NSA are described as illicit. It should worry every Nigerian. I am surprised that the current NSA can characterise the funds as illicit.

    “The local Joint Task Force on Boko Haram is still being funded by the NSA and the operation started under our watch,” Obanikoro, who served under the Goodluck Jonathan administration, said.

    The former minister was cross-examined by Mr Olalekan Ojo (SAN), counsel for Fayose’s company and co-accused, Spotless Limited.

    The lawyer said: “I suggest to you that the funds from ONSA were not illicitly obtained.”

    Obanikoro responded: “To the best of my knowledge.”

    The former minister said he had been reporting at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) once a month since 2016.

    Asked why there was a two-year gap between two of his statements tendered in court, Obanikoro said: “They gave me administrative bail. One of the conditions is to report at the office once a month.

    “It was during one of such visitations on October 8 last year that I made the last statement after I made the one of October 19, 2016.

    “EFCC is investigating me based on a petition by the NSA that N4.6billion was sent to an account operated by me without proper documentation.

    “I’ve been reporting at EFCC monthly since 2016 and I have not been discharged from the administrative bail.

    “It is correct that I am being investigated for having been privy to illicit transfer of funds. The allegation has not been withdrawn.”

    Obanikoro said there was no contract between NSA and Taiwo Kareem who he said owned Sylvan Mcnamara Limited through which NSA transferred the funds.

    The former minister said he dealt with Diamond Bank, where the firm’s account was domiciled, on NSA’s behalf.

    “I gave instructions to Alex Otti (former Diamond Bank Managing Director) for the payment of N1.2billion.

    “The NSA never interacted with the bank. I gave verbal instructions to Diamond Bank.

    “I didn’t reduce it to writing because of the nature of the transactions. There was no written instruction for the release of N1.2billion.”

    Obanikoro said there was no written resolution by the board of Sylvan Mcnamara that he should operate the account.

    “The moment Sylvan Mcnamara decided to work with NSA for security purposes, it was agreed that I would supervise the account because of government funds in it. A verbal agreement was reached to that effect.

    “No, Fayose does not have any relationship with Sylvan Mcnamara,” he said in response to a question.

    Ojo then asked Obanikoro: “Are you aware that two of your children – Gbolahan Obanikoro and Babajide Obanikoro – were signatories to Sylvan Mcnamara’s account?”

    Obanikoro said: “Yes, they were signatories to the account prior to the operation in 2014. My children have relationships with the company. I also have a relationship with the company.”

    Ojo asked: “You had known Sylvan Mcnamara long before you recommended it to NSA?”

    Obanikoro replied: “Of course.”

    Ojo asked: “You recommended Sylvan Mcnamara because of your interest in the company?”

    Obanikoro replied: “That’s preposterous. I was in charge of security when I was Commissioner for Home Affairs in Lagos. I knew the owner of the company then as a skillful security operative.

    “When the opportunity came, I didn’t hesitate to recommend him to the NSA. The company account went through three phases of ownership.”

    Asked why there were no documentations for most of the transactions on the account, he said: “As a corporate citizen, the bank had a responsibility to support the activities of security operations by government institutions.

    Read Also: Obanikoro: no record of cash collected from Dasuki for Fayose

    “If you work in security operations, you will see worst things. And it’s all over the world, not only in Nigeria.”

    The former minister admitted that one of the directors of Sylvan Mcnamara, Ikenna Ezekwe, lived with him in his Parkview Estate, Ikoyi home for several years before he left.

    On how much was paid to the account in total, the witness said: “About 4.7billion was paid to Sylvan Mcnamara’s account from ONSA.”

    Fayose is on trial for allegedly receiving and keeping N1.2billion and $5million allegedly stolen from ONSA contrary to the Money Laundering Act.

    He had pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned on an 11-count charge last October 22.

    EFCC said Fayose and Biodun Agbele, who is facing a different charge, allegedly took possession of N1,219,000, 000 on June 17, 2014 to fund the former governor’s 2014 gubernatorial campaign.

    The commission said Fayose “reasonably ought to have known” that the money “formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: criminal breach of trust/stealing.”

    EFCC said Fayose, on the same day, received cash payment of $5million from Obanikoro, without going through a financial institution, the sum having exceeded the amount authorised by law.

    EFCC listed Obanikoro as one of 22 witnesses that will testify in the trial, which continues today.

  • Obanikoro: No record of cash collected from Dasuki for Fayose

    The Federal High Court in Lagos Monday heard that there is no record of the N1.2billion and $5million which former Minister of State for defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, allegedly delivered to former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose.

    Testifying in Fayose’s trial for money laundering before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun, Obanikoro, the fifth prosecution witness, said he did not sign for the money he received from former National Security Adviser (NSA) Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd).

    “I did not sign any records at the Office of the National Security Adviser for the monies that I collected,” he said.

    Obanikoro was cross-examined by defence counsel Kanu Agabi (SAN) (for Fayose) and Olalekan Ojo (SAN) (for Fayose’s company and co-accused Spotless Limited).

    The former minister agreed that he was also under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and that he was eventually made to return N200million out of the money he received from Dasuki.

    “I was investigated over funds disbursed through the ONSA. I was kept in EFCC custody for 21 days. I reluctantly returned the N200million cash. Some money was seized from an account related to me,” Obanikoro said.

    The witness explained how he came about using the account of Sylvan Mcnamara Limited to receive money from ONSA.

    He said Dasuki’s successor wrote a petition against him and the company alleging that they collected funds for which no contract was executed.

    “It was the NSA (Dasuki) that requested me to furnish the account. The request to furnish the account was made orally,” he said.

    Obanikoro said Dasuki told him that the account was for the purpose of transferring funds meant for the security of Lagos.

    “The account was for securing Lagos. I sourced the account from Taiwo Kareem. It remained his property. We came about the company (Sylvan Mcnamara) because they made a presentation to the ONSA and was found to have the capacity for securing Lagos,” he said.

    Asked if Sylvan Mcnamara was a security company, Obanikoro said he would not know until he saw the firm’s articles of incorporation.

    Read Also: Obanikoro: it’s painful testifying against Fayose

    “That’s the purpose it was used for (securing Lagos). The decision to qualify Sylvan Mcnamara was that of the NSA. I introduced the company to NSA and the approval was given,” he said.

    Asked what the NSA had in mind when he asked him to source for the account, he said: “The NSA wanted to protect Lagos. I deserve a medal of honour for the protection of Lagos which we did successfully.”

    On why the account appeared to be shrouded in secrecy, Obanikoro said: “Clandestine security operations don’t work the way an average person wants it to work.”

    Obanikoro admitted that some funds were transferred from the account to Rehoboth Homes, such as N74million on May 31, 2014.

    He explained that Rehoboth Homes “must have been one of the vehicles to get the dollar content to Fayose”.

    Other sums, such as N5million, were also transferred to unknown persons from the account on at least three different times.

    Agabi said: “The reason they hide the identities of the recipients is because their job is evil.”

    Obanikoro responded: “I am not an evil doer sir. When a job is for society’s good, it cannot be characterised as evil. You do not keep records for some of these transactions.”

  • Obanikoro: it’s painful testifying against Fayose

    A former Minister of State for defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, on Monday told the Federal High Court in Lagos it was tough accepting to testify against his friend, former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose.

    He spoke while testifying in Fayose’s trial for money laundering before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun.

    Under cross examination by defence counsel Olalekan Ojo (SAN), Obanikoro admitted he returned N200million to the Federal Government.

    He said it was part of funds received from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) during the 2014 Ekiti election.

    Read Also: My role in movement of $5m to Fayose, by Obanikoro

    On testifying against Fayose, he said: “I am trying to restrain myself saying things that will further damage my relationship with him.

    “It’s very painful for me to give evidence against him, no doubt about that.”

    Obanikoro admitted he led the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) team that was in Ekiti for Fayose’s victory.

  • Dasukigate: Ex-PDP spokesman loses bid to stop trial

    Dasukigate: Ex-PDP spokesman loses bid to stop trial

    Former spokesman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh, failed yesterday in his bid to stop his trial before the Federal High Court, Abuja, as the Supreme Court rejected his application to that effect.

    In a ruling yesterday, the Supreme Court held, among others, that the Metuh’s application for stay of proceedings was unmeritorious.

    Metuh and his firm, Destra Investments Limited, are being tried before Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on a seven-count charge of money laundering and fraudulent receipt of N400m from from the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) on November 22, 2014, for the PDP’s campaign activities.

    The prosecution alleged that the N400m was part of proceeds of “unlawful activity” of former  NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd).

    Metuh and Destra are alleged to have, on December 2, 2014,  made separate cash payments of $1m each to Kabiru Ibrahim and Sie Iyenome of Capital Field Investments without utilising a financial institution.

    The two transactions, amounting to $2m, were allegedly made through an agent identified as Nneka Nicole Ararume.

    The prosecution called eight witnesses and closed its case last year, following which the defence made a no-case submission, which Justice Abang refused and directed Metuh and his company to enter their defence, a decision Metuh and his firm appealed.

    The Court of Appeal, in a judgment on May 25, 2016, affirmed Justice Abang’s ruling of March 9, 2016 rejecting Metuh and his firm’s no-case submission.

    The appellate court agreed with Justice Abang that the prosecution led by Sylvanus Tahir, has established a prima facie case the defence, requiring the defendants to be called upon to enter defence.

    Metuh and Destra again appealed the Appeal Court’s decision at the Supreme Court and accompanied the appeal with an application for stay of proceedings at the trial court pending the determination of the appeal.

    It was the application for stay of proceedings that the Supreme Court dismissed in its ruling yesterday.

    A five-man panel of the Supreme Court was unanimous in its decision yesterday.

    All members of the panel agreed with the lead ruling prepared by Justice Clara Bata Ogunbiyi, but read yesterday by Justice Eko Ejembi.

    Other members of the five-man panel were Justices Dattijo Muhammad,  Kudirat Kekere-Ekun and Sidi Bage.

    By the Supreme Court’s ruling yesterday, the trial is expected to resume before Justice Abang on June 19.

    Justic Abang had, at the last proceedings, adjourned to June 19 to await the decision of the Supreme Court on Metuh’s application for stay of proceedings pending appeal.

  • Tight security for $2.1b arms deal panel members

    Tight security for $2.1b arms deal panel members

    Security is to be tightened around members of the Special Investigative Panel on Arms Procurement, The Nation learnt yesterday.

    The presidential directive was said to have followed the suspicious death of a member, Rear Admiral T.D. Ikoli, and threat to others.

    The panel, which has wound up its operation temporarily, was probing the $2.1 billion arms procurement from 2007 to 2015.

    It had investigated the purchase of arms in the Army and the Air Force. The review of arms procurement in the Navy was outstanding at the time of Rear Admiral Ikoli’s death.

    Three of the members of the panel are believed to have had a close shave with death.

    Rear Admiral Ikoli died in what the panel described as “suspicious circumstances” on April 5 in Lagos.

    About one week before his death, Rear Admiral ikoli’s dog was killed, also in suspicious circumstances, it was learnt.

    Panel Chairman  Air Vice Marshal JON Ode narrowly escaped being ambushed by a 12-man gang in two separate vehicles. The wife of another member (a retired Major-General) narrowly escaped being abducted.

    It was learnt that after the developments, the panel opened discussions with President Muhammadu Buhari. Besides, it wrote a letter to Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on the danger its members were being exposed to.

    Prior to the alarm raised by the members of the panel, none of them had security presence in their homes.

    A source, who spoke in confidence with our correspondent, said: “Right from the start of the probe, JON Ode Panel members were being threatened but they defied the intimidation to complete their assignments

    “Some of those involved in the $2.1b arms scandal were associates, colleagues, junior officers and students of members of the panel. But they refused to be swayed by personal ties in doing their job.

    “But there had been obvious security threats against the panel members by some of those implicated and their fronts.

    “Ikoli’s death shattered panel members who did not bother initially to ask for protection.”

    The source said the aborted attacks against the chairman of the panel, AVM JON Ode and the wife of another member made the team to make representations to the Presidency.”

    Iit was gathered that the government directed that police and military security be provided in the homes of the members.

    Those who want escorts have also been given.

    Another source added: “The Presidency has directed that adequate security measures be put in place for AVM JON Ode members’ panel following intelligence reports on threats to their lives.

    “The government also took the steps in view of the way corruption is fighting back and the high-level risk taken by members of the panel against their colleagues and course mates.

    “We now have some level of police and military presence in the homes of the members of the panel. I will not go into details on this.”

    Also yesterday, it was learnt that members of the panel did not receive sitting allowance.

    The government spent over N200million (not up to N300million) on the committee instead of the N600million being bandied.

    A document revealed that the cash was expended only on accommodation, transportation, breakfast and lunch for members.

    A source said: “The panel members did a selfless service.  They were not given official vehicles. Some members attended sittings by taxi-cab. One of them had a rickety car which could not withstand rains.

    “Even when requests were made for official vehicles, none was made available.

    “But some mischievous elements have launched propaganda against the committee by alleging that it spent N600million. The good thing is that members signed for what was expended on them. The records are there.”

    Members of the investigative committee  include AVM J.O.N. Ode (rtd.) –Chairman; R/Adm J.A. Aikhomu (rtd.) ; R/Adm E. Ogbor (rtd.) ; Brig Gen L. Adekagun (rtd.); Brig Gen M. Aminu-Kano (rtd.) ; and Brig Gen N. Rimtip (rtd.) .

    Others are: Rear Admiral T.D. Ikoli ; Air Cdre U. Mohammed (rtd.); Air Cdre I. Shafi’I;  Col A.A. Ariyibi ; Gp Capt C.A. Oriaku (rtd.); Mr. Ibrahim Magu (EFCC); and Brig Gen Y.I. Shalangwa – Secretary.

    Some of the areas of investigation are:

    • How 10 contracts totalling $930,500,690.00 were awarded
    • Payment of  N4,402,687,569.41 for unexecuted contracts
    • Procurement of two used Mi-24V helicopters instead of the recommended Mi-35M series at $136,944,000.00.
    • Purchase of four used Alpha-Jets for the NAF at US$7,180,000.00 funded by ONSA
    • Cannibalisation of engines from NAF fleet to justify procurement of jets
    • Excessive pricing of 36D6 Low Level Air Defence Radar at $33m instead of $6m per one
    • Delivery of radars without  vital component of Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) that distinguishes between own and adversary aircraft
    • Strange transfer of $2m to Mono Marine Corporation Nigeria Limited owned by some Air Force officers
    • N15bn lavished on the maintenance of Alpha-Jets, C-130H aircraft and Mi-24V/35P helicopters.
    • N2.5billion contracts awarded to Syrius Technologies (an Ukrainian company) not registered in Nigeria
    • Award of seven contracts worth N599,118,000.00 to Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria (DICON); two were delivered.
  • President Buhari’s forgotten promise

    President Buhari’s forgotten promise

    Nigerians are in a frenzy. It is one year since President Muhammadu Buhari entered office and everyone is focused on the big picture. His promises to Nigerians are many and people are focusing on the big ones – security, economy, anti-corruption and the whole long list. One promise is being overlooked because the seemingly big promises take national attention.

    Mr President had promised to bring those behind Boko Haram to book. This should have been one promise kept within the first six months. Not one year. But these characters are still free men. They walk the street, it will seem, as saints since no one has been unmasked as a sponsor.

    There is free counsel to President Buhari on what can be done. For one: classify the different forms of being behind Boko Haram. There are those that offer monetary and logistic support to the group. Nigeria now has BVN. Tracing funding and financing should not be difficult. Smoking out Boko Haran financiers is therefore possible in a matter of a few clicks.

    Those that offer logistics and intelligence support to terrorists cannot continue to fleet like wraiths among us. They must of necessity communicate. SIM cards are now fully registered. Phone numbers of captured or killed terrorist are starting points. There is a treasure trove of intel there. Who have the terrorists been talking to in military circles, government circle, religious bodies, business world? We should know. We should act.

    Captured terrorists must have spilled the beans more than once. Who did they name higher up in the command chain? Who has benefitted from or is still benefitting from their atrocities? Who stands to gain if the attacks continue? Amirs – commanders of the terror group have been captured in several instances, what stops authorities from further investigating those that have been named.

    Who is the new Dasukigate leader? 

    Before President Buhari there was a gang that stole the country blind in the name of buying weapons to combat terror. They allowed terrorism to fester so they can keep harvesting their loots. Billionaires were made. Nigerians were killed. Who are the people that have stepped into those shoes? Are they too keeping terrorism alive for pecuniary gains? How much of this is tied to 2019 general elections.?Contenders have started campaigns even before President Buhari’s term in office properly begun. Are they trying to give PMB the GEJ moment? They reportedly infiltrated the former government. Have they infiltrated President Buhari’s government in just under one year? What hold do they have over the federal government that politicians in the axis are not having the searchlight beamed on them for whatever their roles may be in the endless carnage of the northeast.?

    Mr President must know that discerning Nigerians have not forgotten his promise. His promise was to bring those behind Boko Haram to book. On this promise, he must not and cannot fail. Other promises to Nigerians is hinged on it. The sponsors are like the brainbox or the heartbeat of the terror group. Arresting and prosecuting them will deal a deadly blow to Boko Haram. Finishing Boko Haram off would be a promise kept. Stamping out Boko Haram will free resources to commit to other sectors.

    Unmasking these sponsors would be hard. They possibly have clouts. They can hide behind their positions and public office. Mr President must look out for those that can be temporarily kept away from their positons to allow investigators have free hands. They need unfettered access.

    The President must also look inward. Ineptitude in executing mandates could be a cover to create conducive atmosphere for Boko Haram. Appointees connected with security must be assessed for meeting key job performance indicators. Those that have performed below expectations must not only be shown the way out but must also prove their incompetence is not deliberate sabotage.

    In the meantime, one year is enough to know those to weed out. If Mr President is I doubt of who to sack the National Security Adviser (NSA) would be a good start. The office, its occupant or both appear overwhelmed. The Defence Minister, Alhaji Mansur Dan Ali is no less overwhelmed. They have been invisible in the whole anti-terror efforts. The damage of their prolonged stay in office would be damaging to progress made on other fronts. Any other official that has performed below par qualifies for exit followed by investigation.

    President Buhari should keep this promise. In this his word is his bond. If Nigerians can exercise patience for another one year without Boko Haram sponsors being busted, the country’s security situation cannot. The military are needed elsewhere. Fighting a Boko Haram that is mutating because of highly placed sponsors would affect our fighting forces, unfortunately not in some marshland but in the Sahel and desert.

    Awolowo writes from Oregun, Lagos.

  • EFCC declares Omisore wanted over N700m arms cash

    EFCC declares Omisore wanted over N700m arms cash

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) yesterday declared a Deputy Governor of Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore wanted in connection with alleged N700million paid to a company in which he has interest by the Office of the National Security Adviser(ONSA).

    The said money was paid to the ex-Deputy Governor when ONSA was under the administration of a former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki.

    The cash was allegedly paid between June and November 2014.

    A statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of the anti-graft commission, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said: “The EFCC today declared a former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore wanted.

    “The former senator is wanted in connection with a case of receiving and misappropriating the sum of over N700, 000,000.00 from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) between June and November, 2014.

    “Omisore has been elusive and refused to report to the Commission after invitation was extended to him on April 7, 2016 requesting him “to come and make clarification on the ongoing investigation”.

    “Instead of responding to the Commission’s investigation Omisore had approached the Federal Capital Territory High Court for the enforcement of his fundamental human rights.

    “Justice Husseini Baba Yusuf consequently ordered that Omisore should only be arrested through a due and legal process.

    “The EFCC thereafter obtained a warrant to effect the arrest of the politician.”

    As part of the N700million probe, the EFCC had invited Omisore for interrogation in connection with a N442, 600,000 security contract which was awarded to a firm linked to him by the ex-NSA

    Omisore was a director of the company as at the time of the award of the contract and a payment of N370million out of the project sum was effected.

    Part of the N370million was allegedly made into the account of the ex-deputy governor.

    Based on the recommendation of a Presidential Committee, EFCC was scrutinizing records of how the contract was executed with nothing to show for it.

    The anti-graft agency through a letter, CR: 3000/EFCC/ABJ/ STF/Vol.3/116 of April 7, 2016 invited Omisore for interrogation.

    The letter, signed by Abubakar Madaki on behalf of the Acting Chairman of EFCC, reads in part: “The commission is investigating an alleged case in which your name featured prominently.

    “In view of the above, you are kindly requested to interview the undersigned on Monday, 11th of April 2016 at No.30, Harper Crescent, Wuse Zone 7 at 10am.

    “Your cooperation in this regard is solicited.”

    Instead of honouring the invitation, Omisore wrote a letter through one of his lawyers, Wole Jimi-Bada and Co. that the interview should be rescheduled to Thursday, April 14, 2016.

    The counsel said in part: “Your letter dated 7th April 2016 and addressed to our client and delivered to his gateman at our client’s residence has been passed on to our chambers.

    “We regret to inform you that our client travelled briefly out of Abuja but will return by Wednesday evening accordingly to our instructions. Consequently and unfortunately, he will not be able to attend the interview scheduled for Monday, 11th April 2016 as requested in your letter under reference.

    “On his behalf, we humbly request that the interview be rescheduled for 14th April 2016 for him to come to honour your invitation.

    “We deeply regret any inconvenience this request may cause you.”

    But rather than coming for interrogation on the appointed date, Omisore approached the High Court of to restrain it from performing its statutory functions.

    In an affidavit deposed to by Detective Nuru Buhari Dalhatu, dated May 6, 2016, and obtained exclusively by The Nation, the EFCC urged the court to ignore Omisore’s application.

    The affidavit reads: “That the EFCC is investigating cases of alleged payments made by the office of the immediate past National Security Adviser, Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (rtd) to individuals and companies with nothing to show for it.

    “That in one of the alleged cases the EFCC is investigating, the name of the applicant (Omisore) featured prominently as revealed by intelligence report.

    “That the EFFC wrote a letter of invitation to Omisore inviting him for an interview as to why his name featured prominently in an alleged case being investigate by the commission.

    “That the applicant upon the receipt of the EFCC’s letter to attend the interview scheduled for Monday, 11th April 2016, instead of honouring the invitation, wrote a letter through his lawyer that the interview be rescheduled to Thursday, 14th April 2016.

    “That the applicant instead of honouring the invitation in line with his rescheduled date of April 16 decided to institute this action to restrain the EFCC from performing its statutory function.

    “That from the letter of invitation, the EFCC neither threatened the arrest and indefinite detention of Omisore nor did it violate or intends to violate his fundamental right to personal liberty and dignity.

    “That Omisore is using this action and those instituted by other respondents as a shield to frustrate further investigation of the case which his name featured prominently under investigation.”

    A company, Fimex Gilt Limited, submitted proposals to ex-NSA Dasuki towards combating the scourge of terrorism and the illegal influx of terrorists into the country through porous borders.

    The scope of the N442million proposals was as follows:

    • Border protection and Intelligence Services Programme
    • Supply of Armoured Personnel Carriers
    • Provision of training support for non-conventional counter-terrorism methods

    The Managing Director of Fimex Gilt Ltd, Adetona David Famadewa alleged that the company was able to “establish a relationship with the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA) through a third party, to wit: the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade.

    He said N370million was paid out of N442million and the contract was not “renewed due to the change of government.”

    He said N52, 600,000 remains outstanding to date out of the contract sum.

    But after facing a contract Review Committee, the company was directed to “refund the entire payment it received from ONSA.”

    The company was also among 241 others referred to EFCC for further investigation leading to the invitation of Omisore.

    The EFCC is probing how part of the N370million paid to Fimex Gilt Limited was remitted into Omisore’s account.

    Although the ex-deputy governor was not immediately available, he had sworn to an affidavit to plead with the court to save him from being arrested and humiliated.

    He said although he was a director of the company when the contract was awarded to it, he had since resigned.

    He said he loaned the company through its MD the “funds required to perform the contract.”

    He added: “That upon the company’s receipt of the payment from ONSA for the contract, the MD repaid to me the prior sum I had lent to Fimex Gilt Limited after I had resigned as a director of the company.

    “That since resigning as a director of Fimex  Gilt Limited, I have no further interests, affiliations or dealings with same and I was in no way involved in the performance of the contract between  ONSA and  Fimex  Gilt Limited.

    “That based on the statements and threats by the EFCC and ONSA, I am in fear of their breaching or being likely to breach my fundamental rights for purely political motives and purposes.

    “That there is imminent danger that I would be arrested and detained indefinitely by the EFCC and ONSA.”

  • Dasukigate: Ex-Finance Minister Yuguda complains of ill-health

    Dasukigate: Ex-Finance Minister Yuguda complains of ill-health

    Former Minister of State for Finance Bashir Yuguda has applied to the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama, Abuja, for permission to travel abroad for medical treatment.

    Yuguda, also a former ambassador to the United Arab Emirate (UAE), is being tried with ex-National Security Adviser (NSA)  Sambo Dasuki; ex-Sokoto State Governor Attahiru Dalhatu Bafara; his son, Sagir Dalhatu and two others on money laundering charges.

    Yesterday, his lawyer, O. Obeya, informed the court about his client’s application   to travel to Dubai, UAE, for an appointment with his doctor, Georgie Thomas, cardiologist with  Burjeel Hospital, Dubai.

    Yuguda is said to be suffering from diabetes, hypertension and cardiac malfunction, symptoms he developed while serving as the country’s ambassador in the UAE.

    Although prosecution lawyer Oluwaleke Atolagbe did not object to the application, Justice Peter Affen declined to grant it on the grounds that it was incompetent.

    The judge noted that although Obeya claimed Yuguda had a pre-scheduled medical appointment, he (Obeya) failed to produce evidence to that effect.

    Justice Affen, who earlier noted that the first relief in the application, as couched by Obeya, was vague and  allowed him to effect oral alteration to the prayer, however, observed that it would be wrong for the court to exercise discretion in vacuum where an applicant failed to provide the necessary materials.

    Following intervention from lawyers to Dasuki and Bafarawa, Ahmed Raji (SAN) and Hakeem Afolabi (SAN), the judge agreed to allow Obeya withdrew the defective application and refile on a later date.

    Following the withdrawal, Justice Affen struck it out and ordered Obeya to file a fresh one containing evidence that his client had a prior medical appointment with a foreign physician.

    The judge adjourned till today to enable Obeya bring the application.

    He ordered that the defendants need not be produced in court for today’s proceedings.

    The judge earlier granted a similar application to Bafarawa, who was allowed to travel to Saudi Arabia for medical treatment.

  • Oladipo offers to return ‘Dasukigate funds’to stave off trial

    Oladipo offers to return ‘Dasukigate funds’to stave off trial

    •PDP secretary moves to restrain AGF, EFCC, ICPC, others

    Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) National Secretary Prof. Wale Oladipo has appealed to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) to be allowed to refund the N75 million he received from ex-National Security Adviser (NSA) Mohammed Sambo Dasuki.

    Oladipo’s request is contained in a letter to the Vice President in which he sought to be excluded from prosecution.

    Prominent Nigerians, including Raymond Dokpesi and ex-Director of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Aminu Baba-Kusa, were charged to court for allegedly diverting billions of naira belonging to the Federal Government under the guise of fighting Boko Haram.

    The existence of the letter by Oladipo was confirmed in the suit he filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, through his lawyer Babs Akinwumi.

    He is seeking to, among others, restrain the attorney general of the federation (AGF) and four others from arresting, detaining and prosecuting him.

    Oladipo also seeks to restrain the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), the inspector general of Police (IGP) and the Department of State Services (DSS) from holding him.

    The PDP national secretary, in a supporting affidavit, said he wrote the Vice President on his intention to refund the money he received from the Office of the NSA, without knowledge that it was proceed of unlawful dealings, with the understanding that he would be shielded from prosecution.

    Oladipo, who claimed to have received an anonymous message on his telephone, inviting him for interrogation, urged the court to, among others, restrain the respondents from moving against him.

    He alleged that the respondents were being used by agents of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to harass, intimidate and persecute him, being a key opposition figure.

    But the respondents faulted Oladipo’s letter, arguing that his letter could not shield him from investigation and prosecution.

    “Assuming without conceding that Exhibit 1 (the letter) exists, it is our further contention that the exhibit cannot come to the aid of the applicant because a letter written to the Vice President to return N75 million cannot act as shield from investigation and possible prosecution, rather it is suggestive of corruption, requiring investigation,” ICPC said in its objection to the suit.

    Other respondents faulted the suit and urged the court to dismiss it on the grounds that Oladipo was merely seeking to hide under a spurious text message, whose source he failed to establish, to prevent statutory established bodies from performing their responsibilities.

    “It is clear that the applicant has failed to discharge his duty of establishing nexus between the 3rd respondent and the so called witch-hunt of APC against him.

    “The applicant, in anticipation of possible invitation by the 3rd respondent (ICPC) to answer questions with respect to the N75 million, which, he said, he received from officials of the PDP, has come to this court to twist the arms of the law and challenged the statutory powers of the 3rd respondent in carrying out its constitutional duties and ultimately escape from criminal invitation.

    “It is submitted that the applicant’s suit is incompetent, misleading, lacking in merit and should be dismissed. We urge the court to so hold and strike out or dismiss this suit,” ICPC said.

    In his response to the suit, the AGF, Abubakar Malami (SAN), argued that Oladipo only raised unsubstantiated allegation of persecution and harassment against the respondents “on account of funds he received from his party members and is thus seeking to restrain the respondents from performing their constitutional duties”.

    He denied taking any steps against Oladipo “in respect of money received by the applicant either from party members or other sources”.

    “Even the alleged invitation by the 2nd respondent (EFCC) did not state that the applicant was invited because of funds, which he received.

    “The applicant, on his free volition and admission, wrote to the Vice President wherein he offered to return to the Federal Government funds which he received.

    “Rather than comply with the invitation, if indeed it exists, to clear his name, the applicant, via the instant suit, resorted to engage the instrumentality of the law to stop or frustrate his investigation and possible prosecution,” the AGF said.

    The judge adjourned hearing to May 19 to enable ICPC file its responses.

  • Dasukigate: EFCC grills ex-Governor Kure over N600m contract

    Dasukigate: EFCC grills ex-Governor Kure over N600m contract

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission yesterday grilled ex-Governor Abdulkadir Kure over alleged N600million contract from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

    The said contract was awarded to a foreign firm allegedly linked with Kure who is said to be the company’s main contact in Nigeria.

    The grilling of Kure was the third in 72 hours by the anti- graft agency after he was invited for interrogation.

    He was still being detained as at press time.

    According to investigation, the company in which Kure has interest was among the 300 referred to the EFCC by the presidency.

    A reliable source in the EFCC, who spoke in confidence, said: “The ex-governor was invited for interrogation over a N600million contract which was awarded to a company identified with him.

    “In the last three days, we detained him for interaction on how the said contract was awarded to the firm by ex-NSA Sambo Dasuki. The grilling reached its climax yesterday.

    “We are working on many clues, including the fact that the contract might be a decoy to provide funds for political campaign.

    “Kure has made a useful statement to our team, but there are many gaps we need to fill. So, the investigation is certainly yet to be concluded.”

    Asked to be specific, the source said: “The company, which has robust links with Kure, was one of those a presidential panel allegedly “indicted of failure to execute contracts or did so partially.

    “The presidential panel recommended that the company and others should refund various sums.

    “It is left to Kure to facilitate how the sums, debited to his company, will be refunded.”

    A source close to Kure, who spoke with our correspondent last night said: “As a matter of fact, the ex-governor did not secure any contract from ONSA. He is always careful.

    “But he appears to be the only Nigerian contact of the foreign company which is being investigated by the EFCC. Since none of the representatives of the company was in Nigeria, the anti-graft agency invited Kure based on records at their disposal.

    “As a former governor with distinct records of service, he voluntarily honoured EFCC’s invitation.

    “We are confident that the former governor will be vindicated at the end of the day.”

    The Senior  Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, Mallam Garba Shehu, recently claimed that the ONSA Committee had recovered over N7billion from those culpable.

    The indicted companies are to refund another N41 billion.

    But the investigating agencies, including the EFCC, will determine whether another N75 billion should be recovered from some of the companies.

    Shehu said the ONSA Committee had found out that one of the indicted companies, Societe D’Equipment International, was overpaid by 7.9 million Euros and $7.09 million.

    It noted that many contractors were apparently over paid, while others were given full upfront payments contrary to their contract terms and agreements.

    The panel also uncovered evidence of payments to individuals and companies by the ONSA without any contractual agreement or evidence of jobs executed.

    The committee discovered that some companies failed to fulfil their tax obligations for contracts executed.

    Fifteen firms, the panel said, were awarded contracts that require further investigation to ascertain their status. The total value of the contracts in this category was N11, 726,571,161.00, $202,136,890.00 and €4,114,752.96.

    The companies include: “Abrahams Telecommunication Limited and Value Trust Investment Limited – RC 1050628 and RC133792, Bilal Turnkey Contractors Limited – RC 616389, Circular Automobile Limited – RC 953549, Continental Project Associates Limited – RC 1201210, Da’voice Network Solutions Limited – RC 658879.

    Others are Foretech Investment Limited– RC 759046, Forts and Sheild Limited – RC 1148793, GDP Associated Limited – RC 830715, Hakimco Automobiles – RC 904389, Hamada Properties and Investment Limited – RC635720, International Resources Management Company –RC228657, Investment Options Limited – RC 133484, Jakadiya Picture Company Limited – RC 270972, JBE Multimedia Investment Limited – RC 48875, Kamala Motors Limited – RC 845545, Key Information Services Limited – RC 297516.

    Also investigated are Leeman Communications Limited – RC 499781, MCAF Associates – RC 734745, Moortown Global Investment RC 968416, Syntec Nigeria Limited – RC 220165, Trafiga Limited – RC 1098961, Trim Communications Limited – RC 261180, Securicor Emergency and Safety – RC 431246, Sologic Integrated Services Limited – RC 744982, Wada Autos Limited – RC 1082513, Zukhruf Nigeria Limited – RC 306244, 2020 Nigeria Limited – RC 1090292 and A and B Associates Limited – RC 279980.

    The individuals and companies that received payments without contractual agreements include: Bello Matawalle, Brig.-Gen. A.S. Mormoni-Bashir (the former Principal General Staff Officer at the ONSA who is still  serving), Alhaji Umar Sani, Dr Yakubu Sanky, Baba Bala, Ambassador Clement Layiwola Laseinde (a Director in the ONSA), an architect from Baitil Atiq Travels and Tours.

    Others are Alhaji Shuaibu Salisu (the former Director of Finance and Administration at the ONSA), Col. Bello Fadile (rtd) (Special Adviser to Lt Col Sambo Dasuki, former NSA), Mr Otunla Jonah Niyi, Otunba Adelakun, Alhaji Bashir Yuguda, Dr Tunji Olagunju, Miss Oluwatoyin Oluwagbayi, Lt Col MS Dasuki (rtd) (the former NSA}.

    Also listed are Maipata Mohammed Abubakar, Mohammed Suleiman from Musaco Investment and Properties, Ibrahim Abdullahi also from Musaco Investment and Properties, Alhaji Aliyu Usman, and 18 other officers that served in the ONSA.

    The companies that failed to execute contracts or did so partially, and have been asked to refund various sums are: A and Hatman Limited, Abuja Consulting Limited, Afro-Arab Investment, Agbede A Adeshina and Co, Aleppo Systems Nigeria Limited – RC 947255, Amp Africa Holdings and Solar Services, Apple Drops Nigeria Limited – RC 1102219, Apt Security Limited – RC 165189, Autoforms Integrated Enterprises Limited – RC 1234829, Axis Consulting Services Limited – RC 1151145, Belsha Nigeria Limited.

    Community Defence Law Foundation – RC/IT No

    56854, Complus International Service Limited, Cosse Limited – RC 316214, Daar Investment and Holdings Limited, Dalhatu Investment Limited – RC 404535, Destra Investment Limited, Development Strategies International Limited – RC 361191.

    Others are DFX/White Zebu BDC – RC787658/RC1049919, Duchy Concepts Limited–RC392281, Fara Security Limited – RC 694607, Fimex Gilt Nigeria Limited – RC 143150, First Aralac Global Limited – RC939512, Fix-HYL Global Investment – RC1129654, Good year Properties Limited RC1168828, Image Merchant Promotions Limited – RC 416703.

    Interglobal Limited – RC 189188, Jos Peace Dialogue Forum CAC/IT/No75434, Kakatar Limited – RC 443321, Leaderette Nigeria/Norden Global – RC 422129/RC1119925, London Advertising Limited UK based, Mithra Oil Limited – RC 620979, NigerLink BOG (Under Musaco Investment) – RC 834592, Iban Global (Under Musaco Investment), Musaco Investment (Bank Charges), Mystrose Limited – RC 475579, NAF Holding Company Limited.

    Also listed are: Peach Tree Communications Limited– RC 410115, Perception BDC – RC 740741, Pioneer Ventures – RC 69776, Proptex Nigerian Limited – RC 116801, Prosedec Interglobal Limited – RC 619845, Real Property Investment Limited RC 294761, Sinash Communications Limited – RC 333134, Skytick International Limited – RC 798693, Soject Nigeria Limited – RC 74991, StellaVera Development Company Limited – RC 713258.

    Others who defaulted on their contractual agreements include Teracon AG  Swiss based, Wehsec Farms Limited RC 713258, African Cable Television Limited – RC 1113903, BCN Nigeria Limited – RC 50969, Brains and Hammers – RC – 655673, Concept Options Ultimate Limited – RC 604167, Elizade Nigeria Limited – RC 11544, Emerging Platforms Limited – RC 922205, EMI System Nigeria Limited – RC 248986, Hadassa Investment and Security – RC 709085, Kala Consulting Solutions Limited – RC 98562, Pioneer Ventures, Nan Bizcom Nigeria Limited –RC 680708, Nerres Limited – RC 1138835, Plectrum Consulting Limited – RC 937931, Protech Consultant – RC 301426, Summit Publications Limited – RC 304671, Telios Development Limited – RC 468351, Urban Abode Nigeria Limited – RC 651613, RCN Networks Limited – RC 439720, Sail International Limited – RC 97863, Suburban Broadway Limited – RC 469689, Geronimo Middle East and Africa, Julius Berger – RC 6852, Romgat Morgan Nigeria Limited – RC 902020, and Stallion Motors Limited – RC 178627.

    Contracts awarded to the following companies are to be further investigated: 2020 Nigeria Limited – RC 1090292, Acacia Holdings Limited – RC 940978, Africair Incorporated US Company, Augusta Westland Limited, Almond Project Limited, Bam Project and Properties, Bob Oshodin Organisation Limited – RC 790662, Coral Builders Limited – RC 397748, Dan Clington Nigeria Limited – RC 940978, Law Partners and Associates BN/UY/004566, Magnificient 5 ventures Limited – BN/2299463, MPS Global Services Limited.

    Others are One plus Holdings Nigeria Limited – RC 695999, Quadsix Nigeria Limited – RC 1177968 and Reliance Reference Hospitals.