The Nation Newspaper

Tag: EFCC

  • Ekiti seals Two houses allegedly owned by Fayose

    FAYOSE: IT’S AN ACT OF VENDETTA, I’M NOT THE OWNER

     

    Two new buildings allegedly owned by former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose have been sealed by agents of the state government.

    The state government through the Ministry of Housing, Urban and Physical Development, said the twin duplexes were sealed for lack of approved plan and permit.

    The buildings, which are adjacent the official residence of the Deputy Governor, are located in the Government Reservation Area (GRA), Ado-Ekiti within the precincts of the Government House.

    The contractor handling the project began work about four months ago after the buildings erected on the plot were pulled down to give way for the new edifices.

    The official seal closing down the buildings was pasted on the gate and was seen by our reporter during a visit to the site on Friday.

    The gate was under lock and key while the contractor was nowhere to be found when our reporter visited the site.

    The seal shutting down the buildings was signed by the Director of Urban and Regional Planning in the Ministry of Housing, Urban and Physical Development.

    The document reads: “It was discovered during inspection by the Inspectorate staff of our Ministry that a residential building by you at GRA has no approved plan /permit for the site or bring same to our office to get certification for the erection.

    “You are hereby ordered to suspend the use of the building premises until approved plan is submitted for clearance.”

    Fayose has been accused by the opposition in the state of using his former position as governor to acquire choice properties in many parts of Ado-Ekiti.

    The ex-governor earlier in the week appeared before a Federal High Court in Lagos where he was charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged money laundering.

    He was granted bail on Wednesday but he was yet to meet his bail condition at the time of filing this report.

    In his response to the sealing of the buildings in Ado-Ekiti, Fayose accused Governor Kayode Fayemi of vendetta and desperation.

    Speaking through his media aide, Idowu Adelusi, Fayose denied ownership of the buildings in question urging the state government to provide evidence to prove his ownership of the property.

    He said: “Governor Fayemi was only acting out of desperation, and vengeance over the 2014 shameful electoral defeat.

    “The property in question does not belong to Fayose. Fayemi’s government should produce evidence linking the former government to the property.

    “Fayose has said he was ready for probe and that he will appear in person before any panel set up by Fayemi. So, why the desperation?

    “Our advice is that, Fayemi should place high premium on payment of the workers’ salary arrears since N30bn is already in his custody released by the Federal Government and not embarking on witch hunting or disparaging his predecessor. The money should not be used to fund the election petition filed against him.

    “He should hurry up to do all he could for the benefit of common Ekiti people because time is not on his side.”

  • Court restrains EFCC from arresting Rivers’ contractors

    A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has restrained the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from arresting or detaining contractors, lawyers, professionals and service providers working with Rivers State.

    The court also restrained the EFCC and the federal attorney-general from inviting and detaining officials of the government for alleged investigation.

    Justice Hilary Oshomah ruled in a suit filed by Rivers attorney-general against the EFCC and AGF.

    Both institutions were also stopped from interfering with the accounts of the state pending determination of the substantive  suit.

    Justice Oshomah said: “An order of interlocutory injunction restraining 1st and 2nd Defendants/Respondents (EFCC/AGF) from inviting or further inviting, arresting and or detaining contractors (engaged by the Rivers  State government to carry out projects), professionals (including lawyers) or service providers to the Rivers State government who have been paid by  the State Government, for the purpose of investigating, probing and or interfering in any manner whatsoever with the management of the Rivers State consolidated fund.”

    The court added: “An order of interlocutory injunction restraining 1st and 2nd Defendants from giving any effect or further effect to the letter dated August 7, 2018, wherein EFCC invited some officials of the Rivers State government on August 20  or any date for that matter”.

    Justice Oshomah also stopped the EFCC and AGF or their agents, servants and privies from retrieving/demanding the Bank Verification Number (BVN) of any officials of the plaintiffs, contractors, lawyers or vendors, who have received payment for the purpose of probing or interfering with the accounts of the state pending determination of the substantive suit.

    The court further restrained the EFCC and AGF from directing  Zenith Bank and Access Bank to furnish them with the bank account details, record books and/or any document for the purpose of probing, investigating or interfering with accounts of Rivers State until determination of the substantive suit.

    The court held that the preliminary objection dated September 3, 2018, filed by the EFCC against the suit lacked merit.

    According to the court, the Motion on Notice by the Rivers attorney-general dated September 24, 2018, was meritorious  in its entirety.

     

  • Court grants Fayose N50m bail, trial to begin Nov. 19

    The Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday  granted former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose N50m bail with one surety in like sum.

    Justice Mojisola Olatoregun ruled on his bail application following his arraignment on Monday for alleged money laundering.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Fayose for allegedly receiving and using N1.2billion and $5million stolen funds.

    His lawyer, former Attorney-General of the Federation Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), urged the court to grant the former governor bail on self-cognisance as a former governor.

    According to him, there was a presumption of innocence of an accused until guilt is established.

    Besides, he said the former governor was very eager to see the conclusion of the case and so would not jump bail.

    Agabi told the court that Fayose willfully submitted himself to the EFCC immediately after leaving office as governor, which shows his readiness to face the charge.

    He said: “We have before your Lordship a bail application. It is supported by a 15-paragraph affidavit and a written address in support of our motion. We urge your Lordship to grant our application.

    “We agree that bail is totally at the discretion of court and urge your Lordship to grant it. The prosecution has filed a counter affidavit but the law allows for presumption of innocence.

    “Opposition by the prosecution cannot take away the discretionary power of your Lordship.

    “The defendant reported to the EFCC the day after he left office as a governor. I urge your Lordship to grant him bail on self-cognisance.

    “I assure your Lordship that he will not jump bail; he won’t run away.”

    But, prosecuting counsel Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), opposed the bail application.

    He informed the court about a counter affidavit in opposition to the bail motion, adding that although bail is a constitutional right, there were limitations.

    “The issue of presumption of innocence has to do with trial and for now, no one is saying he is guilty,” he said

    Jacobs opposed the application for bail on self-cognisance on the ground that being a former governor was not a yardstick for being granted bail on liberal terms.

    According to him, intelligence reports revealed that the defendant would interfere with witnesses and proceedings, and may jump bail if granted bail.

    He urged the court to refuse bail, adding that Fayose allegedly reported at EFCC with thugs.

    Jacobs said: “We filed a 22-paragraph counter-affidavit. We agree that bail is at the discretion of the court but the constitutional right to liberty is can be deprived.

    “Self-cognisance should not be for special people and office. If a poor man cannot be admitted to bail on self-cognisance, then it should not apply to anyone else.

    “Rather, we urge the court to order accelerated hearing.”

    Jacobs added that intelligence reports also revealed that some of the listed witnesses who served in Fayose’s administration had already expressed fear of intimidation.

    In a short ruling, Justice Olatoregun noted that the issues raised by the prosecution in its counter affidavit were grave, but that the accused would be given benefit of the doubt.

    She held: “The defendant is admitted to bail in the sum of N50 million with one surety in like sum.”

    The surety, she said, must present a bond of N50 million from a reputable insurance company or a first line bank acceptable to the court.

    The judge held that the surety should produce three-year tax clearance.

    Justice Olatoregun urged Fayose to ensure he attends court for trial unfailingly, otherwise, the bond would be forfeited.

    The former governor was directed deposit his international passport in the court’s registry.

    Justice Olatoregun ordered that Fayose be remanded in EFCC’s custody in the interim.

    EFCC arraigned Fayose on an 11-count charge of violating the Money Laundering Act.

    He was charged with his company, Spotless Limited.

    EFCC said Fayose and his associate Abiodun 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.”

    The alleged offence is contrary to Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 15 (3) and (4).

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

    The alleged offence, EFCC said, contravenes Sections 1 and 16 (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011.

    The commission said Fayose benefitted from N4.65billion slush funds allocated by the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA) under Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) during the Goodluck Jonathan Administration.

    EFCC listed Obanikoro as one of 22 witnesses that will testify in the trial.

    Fayose was also accused of retaining stolen N300million in his fixed deposit account, and allegedly deposited another stolen N317million in an belonging to Spotless Investment Limited, a company controlled by him and members of his family.

    He was also accused of acquiring several property in Lagos and Abuja, including one bought in his elder sister’s name using part of the stolen funds.

    In the last count, EFCC said Fayose, on or about January 30, 2015, did procure Still Earth Limited to retain in its account, the sum of N132.5million.

    The sum, said the prosecution, “formed part of the proceeds of your unlawful activity, to wit: gratification which you received from Samchase Nigeria Limited.”

    The alleged offence is contrary to Section 18 (c) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 15 (3).

    Fayose pleaded not guilty to the 11-count charge.

    Justice Olatoregun adjourned until November 19 for trial.

  • EFCC arraigns Fayose for alleged N1.2b, $5m theft

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arraigned former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose at the Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly receiving and keeping N1.2billion and $5million stolen funds.

    He was arraigned before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun on an 11-count charge of violating the Money Laundering Act.

    He was charged with his company Spotless Limited.

    EFCC said Fayose and his associate Abiodun 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 governorship 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.”

    The alleged offence is contrary to Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 15 (3) and (4).

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

    The alleged offence, EFCC said, contravenes Sections 1 and 16 (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011.

    The commission said Fayose benefited from N4.65billion slush funds allocated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) under Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.) during the Goodluck Jonathan Administration.

    EFCC listed Obanikoro as one of 22 witnesses who will testify in the trial.

    Obanikoro, EFCC said, will testify on how he transmitted the money to Fayose “during and before the Ekiti governorship election in 2014 around June 2014”.

    The commission said Obanikoro had asked Fayose for an account to transfer the money.

    Fayose was said to have sourced for an account belonging to Slyvan Mcnamara Limited domiciled in a new generation bank and forwarded it to Dasuki.

    The EFCC said N200million was transferred to the account on June 5, 2014, followed by N2billion on June 16, 2014.

    According to the commission, Fayose said N1.2 billion of the money should be made available in cash while the balance should be converted into the dollar, instructions that EFCC said were carried out by Obanikoro.

    EFCC said about N1billion was converted to dollar and personally handed to Fayose. The balance of N1.2 billion was later withdrawn in cash and flown to Akure where Obanikoro handed it over to Agbele.

    Fayose was also accused of retaining stolen N300million in his fixed deposit bank account and allegedly deposited stolen N317million in a bank account belonging to Spotless Investment Limited, a company controlled by him and members of his family.

    In count five, Fayose allegedly took control of N305million between June 26 and August 27, 2014 in Lagos, keeping it in his bank account, when he ought to have known that the money “formed part of proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: criminal breach of trust/stealing.”

    The prosecution said Fayose, between June 18 and 23, 2014, “did procure De-Privateer Limited and one Abiodun Agbele to retain in their an aggregate sum of N719, 490, 000.00 on your behalf, which sum formed parts of proceed of an unlawful act, to wit: criminal breach of trust/stealing.”

    Fayose and Spotless Ltd were accused of buying a property on Plot 1504, Yedsema Street, Maitama, Abuja from one Rabi Kundili, with stolen N270million.

    He was also alleged to have acquired chalets 3 and 4, 6 and 9 of the property at Plot 100, Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos in the name of JJ Technical Service between November 12, 2014 and August 20, 2015, with an aggregate sum of N1, 151, 711, 573.

    The sum, EFCC said, was proceeds of criminal breach of trust/stealing, an offence contrary to Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 15 (3).

    Fayoso also allegedly bought a property known as No. 44, Osun Crescent, Maitama, Abuja for N200million in the name of his elder sister, Moji Oladeji, between April 23 and 30, 2015, as well as a property known as Plot 1504 Yedseram Street, Maitama, Abuja, for N270million in the name of Spotless Investment.

    EFCC said he bought the properties using part of the stolen funds.

    In the last count, EFCC said Fayose, on or about January 30, 2015, did procure Still Earth Limited to retain in another bank account the sum of N132.5million.

    The sum, said the prosecution, “formed part of the proceeds of your unlawful activity, to wit: gratification which you received from Samchase Nigeria Limited.”

    The alleged offence is contrary to Section 18 (c) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 15 (3).

    Fayose pleaded not guilty to the 11-count charge.

    A court official read the counts and asked Fayose: “Are you guilty or not guilty?”

    He responded to each of them: “I am not guilty”.

    The former governor arrived at the court premises at about 8.30 am, accompanied by EFCC officials and armed police officers.

    He was all smiles as he stepped out of the white Hiace bus that conveyed him to the court.

    Fayose sat in the bus for about 20 minutes before he was asked to disembark.

    Armed policemen followed and barricaded him as he was led to the court from the bus driven inside the court premises.

    As reporters scrambled to take his photographs, he smiled and told the security aides to allow the journalists do their job.

    “Just wait for me to sit down so you can take finer shots. Afterall, they have to sell,” Fayose said jovially.

    Fayose, smiling in the courtroom, was calm. He wore a pair of jeans and a checkered light blue and red shirt with a pair of black shoes and a pair of glasses.

    Among those who accompanied Fayose to court was former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode, who said he was in court “to show solidarity”.

    Fani-Kayode, in green native attire, with a pink shawl and cap to match, said Fayose’s trial was a continuation of the Muhammadu Buhari administration’s persecution of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members.

    Fayose’s lawyer, former Attorney-General of the Federation Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), said he filed a bail application.

    EFCC’s lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo said he needed time to respond.

    Justice Olatoregun adjourned the bail hearing until tomorrow.

    She ordered that Fayose be remanded in EFCC custody.

  • EFCC arraigns ex-banker for alleged N8.7m theft

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arraigned a former banker, Ali Kareem, at the Federal High Court, Lagos, for allegedly stealing N8.7 million from a customer.

    He allegedly conspired with others at large to impersonate a Union Bank customer, Alexander Cherembem, to fraudulently facilitate the withdrawal of funds from his account.

    Kareem was arraigned before Justice Chuka Obiozor on a three-count charge of conspiracy, impersonation and fraud.

    He was accused of processing a “request” for Union Mobile for the customer’s account without obtaining his proper identity.

    EFCC said Kareem impersonated the victim to facilitate the withdrawal of about N8.7 million from his account through the Union Mobile platform.

    Prosecuting counsel Mr. George Chia-yakua said the alleged offence contravenes sections 22, 22 (2) and 37 of the Cyber Crimes Prohibition Act, 2015.

    Kareem pleaded not guilty.

    Defence counsel Olatimihan Ogunbiyi said he filed a bail application.

    Justice Obiozor ordered the remand of Kareem in prison pending the hearing of his bail application.

    He adjourned till November 5.

  • Fayose is being persecuted, says Fani-Kayode

    A former Minister of Aviation Chief Femi Fani-Kayode on Monday accused the Federal Government of persecuting immediate past Governor of Ekiti State Ayodele Fayose.

    Fani-Kayode was at the Federal High Court in Lagos in solidarity with Fayose during his arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged money laundering.

    The former minister, who is also on trial for money laundering in the same court, said Fayose was being oppressed.

    Speaking with reporters after the case, Fani-Kayode said: “I believe in the virtues of courage, loyalty and faith in God.

    “I believe in loyalty to country, family, friends and political party. I am a patriot and I believe in loyalty to Nigeria.

    “I also believe in the unity of Nigeria. I believe in loyalty to friends, through thick and thin.

    Read Also: Alleged N30.8bn fraud: Fayose pleads not guilty

    “Fayose is my friend and that is why I am here. He stood with me during my travails and I am constrained to stand with him during his.

    “I am not a fair-weather friend: I am a real friend and I will always stand with the persecuted, the cheated, the marginalised, the voiceless and the oppressed.

    “Fayose is being persecuted like so many other leaders in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and that is why I am here: to stand firm and show solidarity with him.“

  • EFCC secures 172 convictions in 10 months – Magu

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC ) recorded 172 convictions from January to date, the acting Chairman, Mr Ibrahim Magu, said in Gombe on Monday.

    Magu, who said this in Gombe at an event to mobilise the people to take ownership of the fight against corruption, added that “as I speak, EFCC has recorded over 172 convictions since the beginning of the year and we expect the figure to improve significantly before the end of 2018.”

    The chairman emphasised that every Nigerian should take ownership of the fight against corruption, adding that “this is the right time to act to stem the tide of corruption as the 2019 general elections
    approach.

    “As we move closer to the general elections where Nigerians will vote for the present government or a new leadership to take control of governance, it is time that we all must be vigilant.

    “We all must be careful as citizens to ensure that only people with proven records of integrity are elected into offices.”

    He, therefore, called on Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) religious organisations, traditional leaders to help in sensitising voters to vote right and not to compromise.

    He said “voters should not fall into the temptation of selling their votes.”

    According to him, voters must be educated to realise that their voter cards represent the ticket for their future and healthy living if they use it wisely.

    The anti-graft commission chairman was in Gombe to mobilise the people to take ownership of the fight against corruption.

  • Alleged N30.8bn fraud: Fayose pleads not guilty

    …remanded in EFCC custody

     

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday arraigned immediate past Governor of Ekiti State Mr. Ayodele Fayose at the Federal High Court Lagos for alleged N6.9billion fraud.

    He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    His lawyer Mr Kanu Agabi (SAN), a former Attorney-General of the Federation, said he filed motion on notice for bail.

    He told the court that it had been served on prosecution.

    In response, the prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, confirmed service of the bail application, but told the court that he required time to reply.

    Justice Mojisola Olatoregun consequently, adjourned the case until Wednesday for hearing of the bail application.

    Meanwhile, following a plea by defence counsel on the temporary remand of Fayose, the court ordered that he be remanded in custody of the EFCC pending bail.

    According to the charge, on June 17, 2014, Fayose and Abiodun Agbele were said to have taken possession of the sum of N1.2 billion, for purposes of funding his gubernatorial election campaign in Ekiti State, which sum they reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

    Fayose was alleged to have received a cash payment of the sum of $5million, (about N1.8 billion) from the then Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, without going through any financial institution and which sum exceeded the amount allowed by law.

    He was also alleged to have retained the sum of N300 million in his Zenith Bank account and took control of the aggregate sums of about N622 million which sum he ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

    Fayose was alleged to have procured De Privateer Ltd and Still Earth Ltd, to retain in their Zenith and FCMB accounts, the aggregate sums of N851 million which they reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

    Besides, the accused was alleged to have used the aggregate sums of about N1.6 billion to acquire properties in Lagos and Abuja, which sums he reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

    The accused was also alleged to have used the sum of N200 million, to acquire a property in Abuja, in the name of his elder sister Moji Oladeji, which sum he ought to know also forms crime proceeds.

    The offences contravenes the provisions of sections 15(1), 15 (2), 15 (3), 16(2)(b), 16 (d), and 18 (c) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011

  • Photos: Fayose arrives court

    The immediate-past Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has arrived  the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos,on Monday, for  alleged fraud

     

  • EFCC: How Obanikoro settled Fayose with N1.2b

    •Lists Obanikoro, Dasuki’s aide, 20 others as witnesses
    •Commision lists 11 charges against ex-Ekiti gov

    All is set for the commencement of the trial of the immediate past former Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose following the filing of 11 charges against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The agency is accusing Fayose of benefitting from N4.65billion slush funds allocated by the Office of National Security Adviser(ONSA) by  the Jonathan Administration.

    The former governor was allegedly allocated N1.219 billion and $5million respectively from the funds.

    He is scheduled to be arraigned at the Federal High Court, Lagos, tomorrow.

    He was handed his flight ticket last night.

    The EFCC has listed 22 witnesses including a former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, who allegedly ferried the N1.219billion and $5m in cash in two chartered jets to him.

    Other key witnesses are a former Director of Finance in the office of National Security Adviser, Salisu Shuaibu and Ayotunde Owope, who was Fayose’s account officer.

    Obanikoro’s statement to the EFCC on the deal revealed who got what from the funds.

    In the summary of the case sighted by The Nation, the EFCC said: “During and before the Ekiti Governorship election in 2014 around June 2014. Mr. Ayodele Fayose who was then the candidate of PDP in Ekiti State called and asked if the NSA (Col. Sambo Dasuki rtd) has reached him (Obanikoro) with any information or message. Senator Obanikoro answered in the negative but promised to call the NSA and revert back to him.

    “He spoke to the then NSA who informed him that he had a message which will be transmitted through him to Ayodele Fayose and further requested for an account in which the said message will be transferred or delivered for onward transfer or delivery to Ayodele Fayose. Senator Obanikoro then called Fayose and confirmed to him that a message will be delivered to him any moment from that time as confirmed by the NSA.

    “He sourced for an account Slyvan Mcnamara Limited and forwarded same to the NSA, Sambo Ibrahim Dasuki. On 5th June, the first transaction of N200 million entered into the account and on 16th June, 2014, the sum of N2 Billion was transferred into the account, making it a total sum of N2.2 Billion paid into Mcnamara with Diamond Bank domiciled in Lagos.

    “He acknowledged the receipt of the funds to the NSA who instructed that the funds be given to Ayodele Fayose, the funds came from the office of the National Security Adviser and SAS imprest main account respectively.

    “Ayodele Fayose called Senantor Obanikoro several times before the money eventually came and on his last call, he confirmed the transfer of the money into the account and the instruction of NSA. Ayodele Fayose said N1.2 billion of the money should be made available in cash while the balance should be converted into dollars. These instructions were carried out by him (Obanikoro).

    “The sum of about N1 billion was given to various Bureau de Change for conversion into dollars. The dollars that were available about $4 million plus was personally handed, delivered to Fayose Ayodele, then candidate of PDP at the time by him in Ado Ekiti at Spotless Hotel, while the balance of $1 million was later collected by his SAA late Justin Erukea who brought it to him in Ekiti which he also handled over to Mr. Ayodele Fayose.

    “He was not privy to the discussion between Fayose and the NSA. The balance of N1.2 billion was left and later withdrawn cash from the account in Lagos and airlifted to (Ado Ekiti) Akure where he handed over to Fayose’s associates Mr. Biodun Agbele. On arrival in Akure, he called Mr. Fayose to reconfirm, the instruction to hand over the money to Mr. Agbele who received him on arrival in Akure and reconfirmed the instructions.

    “He handed over the money to Mr. Biodun Agbele and instructed his ADC (Lt. Commander Adewale) to escort him (Agbele) to the bank since he indicated that he wanted to take the money to the bank. On arrival, he saw bullion vans packed to convey the money to the bank. The bullion vans were provided by the bank (Zenith bank). The bank manager was also present.”

    According to the charge sheet obtained from the court,