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Tag: EFCC

  • EFCC arrests five over internet fraud

    The Ibadan Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested five suspected undergraduate scammers.

    The suspects are – Paul Adeleke (21), Tayo Adebiyi (22), Akinsanmi Olusola Adeniyi (21), Ogundile Ademola James (23) and Okali Ugochukwu (21).

    Four of the suspects are students of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), while the fifth, Adebiyi, studies at Adekunle Ajashin University, Akungba (AAUA).

    They were picked up at  an off- campus residence  located at Anuoluwapo Close, Stateline Hotel Road, off FUTA South Gate, Akure, the Ondo State, on Friday.

    The Nation gathered that the commission discovered the suspects’ activities through intelligence gathering.

    Our correspondent learnt that the suspects were known as “Tsunnami Gang” and “Young Pablo Money” among their colleagues.

    They allegedly swindled unsuspecting foreigners and others to the tune of N16million through internet platform.

    Adeleke is a 300-Level student of Building Technology, while James and Adeniyi are both 400-Level students of Agricultural Resources and Mathematics respectively.

    Ugochukwu is a 200-Level student of Urban and Regional Planning, while Adebiyi is a 300 level student of Mathematics at the AAUA.

    At the point of arrest, EFCC operatives reportedly recovered a 2006 black Toyota Highlander with registration number Lagos LND 112 EG, 2010 light-green Toyota Camry with registration number Lagos AAA 850 EF, laptops, three Apple iPhone 6 and three Blackberry phones from them.

    Some implicating documents were also found and downloaded from their laptops.

    Confirming the arrest, the Head, Public Affairs, Ibadan Zonal Office of the commission, Mr. Ayo Oyewole, said the suspects would be arraigned as soon as investigation is completed.

     

  • Omisore refunds N100m to EFCC

    Omisore refunds N100m to EFCC

    •Returns to anti-graft agency tomorrow
    •Released on bail to two NASS members

    A former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Otunba Iyiola Omisore, has refunded to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) N100million of the N1.310 billion public money allegedly traced to him by the anti-graft agency.

    He has subsequently been released by the EFCC from its custody to two members of the National Assembly who stood as sureties ahead of meeting his bail conditions.

    He is expected return to the anti-graft agency tomorrow to perfect the bail conditions.

    Highly placed EFCC sources said the deal to allow the ex-Deputy Governor  go home  since his arrest on July 10 was on account of his health and promise  to refund about N1.310billion allegedly allocated to him by the Office of the National Security Adviser(ONSA) during the Jonathan administration.

    The EFCC source said: “The EFCC granted Omisore bail on compassionate ground to attend to his health. He was actually in the hospital where he underwent surgery.

    “This is an anti-graft agency under a leadership committed to respect for human rights. After undergoing operation and following his pledge to refund the N1.3billion, the commission granted him bail.”

    The money was traced to his account and three firms linked to him.

    The source said: “Before Omisore was granted bail, he agreed to refund the N1.310billion and a repayment schedule was mutually consented to by the suspect and the EFCC.

    “To demonstrate his commitment, he has returned the N100million to the commission. The cash is what was left in his frozen account.

    “We are hopeful that he will keep to the schedule of payment of the balance of N1.2billion.”

    The source said Omisore could not immediately meet his bail conditions but was released to two members of the National Assembly who stood as sureties for him.

    “We have respect for him and these National Assembly members.  Based on this mutual trust, we granted bail to Omisore.

    “The EFCC has asked him to return on Monday to fulfill other conditions for his bail including getting two directors in the public service with landed properties. We hope he will abide by his pledge.”

    Omisore was arrested over N4.745 billion allegedly allocated to him and others by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

    Of this amount, about N1.310billion was traced to Omisore and three companies.

    His accomplices include Governor Ayodele Fayose and ex-Minister of Defence, Mr. Musiliu Obanikoro, who has gone on self-exile in the United States.

    According to a report by the EFCC, the funds were  remitted as follows: Fimex Gilt Limited(N160m)-8/8/2014in UBA; Metropolitan Consortium(N350m)-9/7/14 in First Bank; Sawanara(N300m)—1/8/14 in First Bank and Metropolitan Consortium(N350m)-1/8/14 in First Bank.

    A top EFCC source, who spoke in confidence, said: “Preliminary findings have shown that N1.310billion out of the N4.745billion from ONSA was remitted to the three firms and the accounts of these three companies belong to Omisore.”

  • Friends desert governor over beef with EFCC

    On the Nigerian political scene, the fear of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has become the beginning of wisdom for friends of a controversial governor of one of the states in the South West. Most of his friends have vanished into thin air, while others who flaunted their relationship with him are now denying having anything to do with him.

    Before now, the home and office of the one-week-one-trouble politician were constantly filled with friends, politicians, contractors, favour seekers and hangers on. But now, his office is nothing better than a deserted island just like his home.

    The impending wrath of the EFCC has caused him to withdraw from the public glare until things cool off.

  • EFCC quizzes ex-Deputy Speaker, others over N500m poll cash

    EFCC quizzes ex-Deputy Speaker, others over N500m poll cash

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday said it has quizzed a  former Deputy Speaker of Bauchi State House of Assembly, Hon.Sace A.Dumba,  and two others over N500million poll bribery cash.

    The others are a  former Caretaker Chairman of Dass Local Government Area (LGA), Mohammed Suleiman Rabo and former Chairman of the  Peoples Democratic Party in Dass  local government area of the state.

    They were grilled at the Gombe office of EFCC for  sharing about N500 million to  20 Local Government Areas for  the re-election of the former President Goodluck  Jonathan in the 2015 general election.

    A top source said: “The bribe money was reportedly lavished on  PDP stakeholders in all the local government areas of the State by the Commissioner for Finance Garba Dahiru, during the administration of ex-Governor Isa Yuguda.

    “They admitted to the operatives of EFCC during interrogation that they signed and collected the said amount from Garba so as to deliver PDP in all the local government areas of the State.

    “They also told the EFCC that the sharing formular was based on the population of each of the local government in which Bauchi  LGA collected N48, 020.000, Toro  LGA got N32, 490,000 and Ningi LGA, N28, 250,000.

    Meanwhile, the  President of the Association of Forensic and Investigation Auditors, Victoria Enape, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to sustain its assistance in training of its members on the practical aspect of forensic auditing with a view to effectively tackle corruption in Nigeria.

    A statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren said Enape made the call when she led other members of the Association on a visit to the Acting Chairman, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, at the Commission’s Head Office, Abuja.

    “The commission has all it takes to provide the needed support to meet the modern day challenge in tracking and tackling all shades of corruption in the country”, Enape said.

  • Metuh, Amosu, Umar beg EFCC: let’s refund our loot

    Metuh, Amosu, Umar beg EFCC: let’s refund our loot

    Agency gets plea bargain requests

    Three of those on trial for alleged corruption are eager to return their “loot” for freedom.

    They want to refund cash and surrender property to avoid going to jail, The Nation learnt yesterday.

    An Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) source said that the agency got requests from former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Olisa Metuh, ex-Chiefs of Air Staff Air Marshals Adeshola Amosu and Mohammed Dikko Umar.

    Metuh is standing trial for allegedly receiving N400 million from the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki. The cash is believed to be part of the $2.1 billion security fund that was allegedly diverted.

    Umar was arraigned before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja on a seven-count charge bordering on money laundering, criminal breach of trust and corruption of about N9.7billion.

    Amosu was arraigned  at a  Federal High Court in Lagos alongside Air Vice marshal (AVM) Jacob Adigun and Air Commodore Gbadebo Olugbenga, on a 26-count of stealing about N50 billion.

    The EFCC source added: “We have formally received letters of plea bargain from three accused persons  — Metuh, Umar and Amosu— we are studying their terms.

    “ We may enter into a plea bargain with the accused persons if it will serve the public interest. The interest is getting back the stolen funds. If they can fulfill this condition (public interest), we may accept their offers.”

    But he did not specify the details of the request from the accused persons “because we are still studying them”.

    Also yesterday, it was learnt that following threats from unknown quarters, the EFCC strengthened security for its key witnesses against suspects on trial for the $2.1billion arms deals scandal.

    Those affected are witnesses against a former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki, ex-Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, and ex-Chiefs of Air Staff Amosu and Umar as well as Metuh.

    It was learnt that the anti-graft agency has struck an agreement with the police and other security agencies to protect the witnesses.

    Most of the witnesses are from the account, procurement, and audit units of ONSA, the Air Force, the Army, and some government departments.

    It was learnt that the EFCC was concerned that since the list of all the witnesses has been attached to charge sheets in courts in Abuja and Lagos, the witnesses have become “vulnerable.”

    The special protective measure took effect for some of the witnesses in the past two weeks.

    Apart from attaching riot policemen to some of these witnesses, some of them have been offered accommodation, transportation to and from the court, and feeding.

    A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “By the new Administration of Criminal Justice Act, we are mandated to attach the list of witnesses to every case.So, we have a long list of witnesses which had become public knowledge. They include account officers, directors of finance and accounts, procurement officers, serving and retired military and security personnel; bank officials and personal aides.

    “But some of these witnesses have been receiving threats and have come under pressure to either back out of the cases or frustrate the EFCC. These witnesses have chosen to be patriotic to serve the nation by testifying in courts.

    “This was why at a stage, we approached the court to allow some of these witnesses to testify in camera.

    “While we are looking into the threats, we have decided to be proactive by protecting these key witnesses, including  Air Commodore Salisu Yushau, who has been testifying against Badeh.”

    Three of those on trial for alleged corruption are eager to return their “loot” for freedom.

    They want to refund cash and surrender property to avoid going to jail, The Nation learnt yesterday.

    An Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) source said that the agency got requests from former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Olisa Metuh, ex-Chiefs of Air Staff Air Marshals Adeshola Amosu and Mohammed Dikko Umar.

    Metuh is standing trial for allegedly receiving N400 million from the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki. The cash is believed to be part of the $2.1 billion security fund that was allegedly diverted.

    Umar was arraigned before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja on a seven-count charge bordering on money laundering, criminal breach of trust and corruption of about N9.7billion.

    Amosu was arraigned  at a  Federal High Court in Lagos alongside Air Vice marshal (AVM) Jacob Adigun and Air Commodore Gbadebo Olugbenga, on a 26-count of stealing about N50 billion.

    The EFCC source added: “We have formally received letters of plea bargain from three accused persons  — Metuh, Umar and Amosu— we are studying their terms.

    “ We may enter into a plea bargain with the accused persons if it will serve the public interest. The interest is getting back the stolen funds. If they can fulfill this condition (public interest), we may accept their offers.”

    But he did not specify the details of the request from the accused persons “because we are still studying them”.

    Also yesterday, it was learnt that following threats from unknown quarters, the EFCC strengthened security for its key witnesses against suspects on trial for the $2.1billion arms deals scandal.

    Those affected are witnesses against a former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki, ex-Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, and ex-Chiefs of Air Staff Amosu and Umar as well as Metuh.

    It was learnt that the anti-graft agency has struck an agreement with the police and other security agencies to protect the witnesses.

    Most of the witnesses are from the account, procurement, and audit units of ONSA, the Air Force, the Army, and some government departments.

    It was learnt that the EFCC was concerned that since the list of all the witnesses has been attached to charge sheets in courts in Abuja and Lagos, the witnesses have become “vulnerable.”

    The special protective measure took effect for some of the witnesses in the past two weeks.

    Apart from attaching riot policemen to some of these witnesses, some of them have been offered accommodation, transportation to and from the court, and feeding.

    A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “By the new Administration of Criminal Justice Act, we are mandated to attach the list of witnesses to every case.So, we have a long list of witnesses which had become public knowledge. They include account officers, directors of finance and accounts, procurement officers, serving and retired military and security personnel; bank officials and personal aides.

    “But some of these witnesses have been receiving threats and have come under pressure to either back out of the cases or frustrate the EFCC. These witnesses have chosen to be patriotic to serve the nation by testifying in courts.

    “This was why at a stage, we approached the court to allow some of these witnesses to testify in camera.

    “While we are looking into the threats, we have decided to be proactive by protecting these key witnesses, including  Air Commodore Salisu Yushau, who has been testifying against Badeh.”

  • Alleged N20m bribe: EFCC detains Abia REC

    Alleged N20m bribe: EFCC detains Abia REC

    •Akwa Ibom Rep grilled 

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)  is detaining Abia State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC)  Slyvester Ezeani  for alleged alleged N20 million scam.

    Ezeani was the REC in Cross River State during the March 28,  2015 Presidential and National Assembly Elections.

    Also, a member of the House of Representatives (Oron Constituency, Akwa Ibom State), Nse Bassey Ekpenyong, has been arrested for his alleged involvement in a certificate forgery scam.

    Also yesterday, Dr. Doyin Okupe, a former Senior Special Assistant to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Media and Publicity, was grilled again for allegedly collecting N15million from Destra Nigeria Limited, a company owned by a former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh.

    About N400million was paid into the account of Destra Nigeria Limited by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) under ex-NSA Sambo Dasuki.

    Metuh has opted to return the N400million under a plea bargain deal.

    While serving in Cross River State, Ezeani allegedly collected N20million out of the N241million  which was given to Cross River State from the controversial $115million provided by the immediate past Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Allison- Madueke.

    “ Ezeani, who has now been redeployed to Abia State, was quizzed for his involvement in the scam,”.

    Ekpenyong ran into trouble when a Non- Governmental Organisation petitioned the EFCC, alleging that he committed perjury and financial crimes by submitting a forged Ordinary National Diploma/ Statement of Result of the Abia State Polytechnic to INEC in the build-up to the 2015 National Assembly election.

    “ The petitioner also alleged that Ekpenyong fraudulently obtained salaries, allowances and other financial benefits from his contrived certificate.” The source said, adding: “Investigations by the EFCC showed that Ekpenyong did not attend the Polytechnic as alleged by the petitioner and the Ordinary National Diploma did not emanate from the institution.

    “Further investigations are on-going on the case. Ekpenyong has been released on bail. Ezeani is in the custody of the Commission.”

    The EFCC has been probing Mrs. Alison-Madueke’s  alleged involvement in a $115m (N23, 299,705,000billion) 2015 poll bribery scandal.

    Four oil firms, 14 directors of oil companies, two banks and more than 22  INEC officials, including RECs, are under investigation too.

    Some INEC officers already grilled are REC Gesil Khan for allegedly collecting  N185, 842,000 out of a N681million bribe; Fidelia Omoile ( Electoral Officer in Isoko-South Local Government Area of Delta State)—N112,480,000 ; Uluochi Obi Brown( INEC’s Administrative Secretary in Delta State)—N111,500,000; a former Deputy Director  of INEC in Cross River state, Edem Okon Effanga—N241,127,000 and the Head of Voter Education in INEC in Akwa Ibom, Immaculata Asuquo—N214,127,000.

    Also, a retired INEC official, Sani Isa, was grilled for N406,206,000 bribe allegedly collected on behalf of the deceased Resident Electoral Commissioner  (REC) in Kano State, Alhaji Mukaila Abdullahi.

    Okupe, a former Senior Special Assistant to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Media and Publicity, was grilled again for allegedly collecting N15million.

    Another source added: “Out of the N400million paid to Destra Nigeria Limited, we have traced N15million to Okupe. The company is owned by Olisa Metuh, who is on trial for alleged N400m fraud.

    “So, we interrogated Okupe on Tuesday but he could not explain the purpose of such a remittance into his account.

    “You will recall that Okupe was one of those who went to court as Metuh’s witness.”

  • EFCC probes Fayose’s associate over N59.6m MDGs’ cash

    EFCC probes Fayose’s associate over N59.6m MDGs’ cash

    Detectives have uncovered alleged diversion of over N59.6million meant for projects under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Ekiti State by Mr. Abiodun Agbele, an associate of Governor Ayodele Fayose.

    Agbele, who is in detention, is believed to have been a front to launder N1.299billion for Fayose through his company, De-Privateer.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) believes the cash was part of the  N4.745billion paid ex-Minister Musiliu Obanikoro’s company, Sylva Mcnamara, by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for the 2014 Ekiti governorship poll.

    EFCC operatives were probing more clues on slush funds and payment of kickback by contractors  before uncovering alleged diversion of MDGs’ funds.

    According to EFCC investigators, the MDGs’ funds were transferred from a First Bank (MDGs-CGS Local Govt)  to BYKD Consult Limited, which is purportedly owned by Agbele.

    The funds were transferred in four tranches as follows: February 18, 2015(N18, 159, 050; N15, 319,850; N11, 218, 500; and March 30, 2015—N15, 704, 325.

    Upon receipt of the funds through his account 0059177132 in Diamond Bank, Bodija, Agbele allegedly diverted the cash to pay for choice vehicles from Affordable Motors, a leading car sales company.

    A source said: “We traced the diversion of the funds. On February 19, 2015, about N40million was transferred to  the account of Affordable Motors.

    “Also, on February 20, 2015, N15million was remitted to the same auto firm. We have the records.

    “You can see how funds meant for projects designed for those at the grassroots were used to buy vehicles from an auto mart. This is why we have renewed the detention warrant on Agbele.

    “We have asked Agbele to provide evidence of the contracts he did to have received funds from MDGs account in the state.

    “We are going to invite all those connected with the disbursement of the fund including the coordinator of MDGs and civil servants in charge of the projects.

    “We are conducting a comprehensive investigation on how funds were allocated to MDGs and local governmet areas and the disbursement process.”

    Responding to a question, the source added: “We are suspecting that the governor might have used Agbele to launder MDGs’ funds. As soon as investigation is completed, we will make our findings public.

    “Our findings so far have revealed the same pattern of how  the N1.299billion handed over to Agbele by Obanikoro was transferred to Fayose’s accounts.”

    The N1, 219, 490,000 was not deposited in any account but it was kept in a vault in the bank. It took the bank officials about 10 days to count. The bankers refused to make entry until it was counted,

    “Shortly after confirming the figure, Abiodun was used to coordinate the disbursement of the funds. On June 26, 2014, Agbele paid N137million into Ayodele Fayose’s account 10003126654 with Zenith Bank through Teller-0556814. Fayose’s BVN on the teller is 22338867502. On August 22, 2014, he paid N50million into the same account. By the records from the bank, Abiodun paid another N118, 760,000 into Fayose’s account on 27/8/14,” a document on the investigation stated.

    “Based on the transfers, Fayose moved N300million to a Fixed Deposit Account No 9013074033 with Zenith Bank at 15, Olusola Abiona Street, Olorunda Estate, Alapere Ketu. He has the same BVN-22338867502.

    “After that, Abiodun deposited another N100million from the N1, 219, 490,000 into Spotless Hotel Account run by Fayose and his wife, Helen Olayemi Fayose with Account No. 1010170969, Fayose’s BVN is 223338867502 and his wife’s BVN in the account is 22298990256.

    “The governor and his wife are the two directors and signatories of Spotless Hotel account.”

  • Court grants Ohakim permission to seek treatment abroad

    Court grants Ohakim permission to seek treatment abroad

    The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday granted the former Governor of Imo, Ikedi Ohakim, permission to travel abroad for medical treatment.

    Vacation judge, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba granted the permission following an application made by Ohakim’s counsel, Mr. Gordy Uche (SAN).

    Uche, in the application, asked the court to release Ohakim’s passport to enable him travel abroad for routine medical check up.

    The prosecuting counsel, Mr. Festus Ukpe, did not oppose the application and the court granted the request.

    Ohakim is expected to return his passport to the registrar of the court not later than 48 hours upon his return in August.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the substantive case against Ohakim is before Justice Adeniyi Ademola, but he approached Justice Dimgba’s court because of the court’s vacation.

    Ademola had on June 30 dismissed a no case submission filed by Ohakim over alleged corruption and money laundering charges, saying the ex-governor has a case to answer.

    The judge held that the prosecution led by Mr. Festus Keyamo had established a prima-facie case against the defendant.

     

  • EFCC grills pilot who flew N1.299b cash for Fayose, Obanikoro

    EFCC grills pilot who flew N1.299b cash for Fayose, Obanikoro

    A pilot has told the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFFC) how he flew a former Minister of State for Defence, Mr. Musiliu Obanikoro, with N1.299 billion cash for Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose.

    Capt. Ahmed Bashir Borodo said the cash was wrapped with green military tarpaulin bags before it was loaded onto the chartered aircraft registered HS125-800 5N-BMT, owned by  Gyro Air Limited.

    He said the bags were so heavy that only three people could carry one at a time.

    Also, the General Manager of Gyro Air Limited, Mr. Jide West, has disclosed that about $25, 200 was paid for the two chartered flights from Lagos to Akure and Akure to Abuja.

    EFCC detectives grilled Borodo and West  at the weekend, The Nation learnt.

    The session was part of the ongoing probe of Fayose for allegedly receiving the N1.299billion slush funds from Obanikoro through his associate, Abiodun Agbele.

    About N4.745billion was paid into Obanikoro’s company Sylva Mcnamara’s office by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for the 2014 Ekiti governorship.

    The slush funds had been  traced by EFCC  to Obanikoro,  Fayose, three firms  and a former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Otunba Iyiola Omisore.

    Borodo said he only flew the plane in line with the directive of his airline’s management.

    He said: “On the 17th June 2014, I was advised around 0700 hours by my Flight Operations Department that we would be operating a chartered flight to Akure from Lagos with estimated departure time of 0830 hours.

    “The client was Musiliu Obanikoro, Minister of State for Defence at that time.

    “I arrived at the airport at about 0730 hours to prepare for the flight along with my colleague, Captain Olubiyi Famuyiwa and cabin attendant Uyi Okoro. Minutes later, the minister’s aides came to the aircraft with some bullion vans. They started offloading the contents, which were big green tarpaulin bags. Military bags precisely.

    “The ADC to the minister was dressed in Navy uniform. This is all I can state now.”

    The pilot recalled that the bags were so heavy that three people carried one. He said: “When we noticed that only about three people could carry the bags because of the weight, we told them that because of the weight, we could only take  about eight to nine bags.

    “The minister who had disembarked  at that time from his vehicle pleaded with us but we said our aircraft was too small to carry all the bags. We loaded the bags. The minister, his ADC and a friend boarded the aircraft and we departed to Akure , Ondo State.

    “ When we arrived at Akure Airport, some soldiers came and there was a bullion van as well to carry the baggage. We departed empty to Lagos on the 17/06/14. On the 18th of June 2014, we were sent from Abuja to Akure to pick Mr. Musiliu Obanikoro and take him to Abuja. He boarded without any luggage with his ADC and we proceeded to Abuja to drop him.”

    West gave an insight into how the chartered flight service was procured at $25,200.

    He said: “On the 15/16 of June 2014, Lt. Adewale O Eruka called me for a flight to Akure scheduled for 17th and 18th of June 2014 on the instruction of Musiliu Obanikoro. I contacted operation  and the flight was carried out as detailed below: 17/6/14 – Lagos – Akure – Lagos

    “I was informed that they carried the bags to Akure with some passengers as indicated in the manifest.

    “On 18/6/14 , the flight was  Abuja – Akure – Abuja to  pick up the passengers from Akure back to Abuja. The aircraft was empty from Abuja but brought the passengers back to Abuja. Passengers as indicated in the manifest.

    “The flights were paid for; $25,200 was paid for both flights and this was arranged by Lt. Adewale. The crew on the flight on both occasions were: Capt. ‘Biyi Famuyiwa whose service has been terminated by Gyro Air Ltd; Ahmed Borodo the second pilot who accompanied me to EFCC today; and  Uyi Okoro the cabin crew who resigned her appointment from Gyro for further studies abroad. Resignation and termination letters attached.

    ”I also have a text on my phone dated 19/6/14 from Lt. Adewale detailing how payment will be made for the chartered service.”

    As at press time, there were indications that some officials of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Nigeria Air Management Agency (NAMA) may appear before the EFCC, which is intensifying its probe of Fayose.

    “We are likely to invite more people for interrogation,” a source said.

    The EFCC at the weekend sealed off six choice duplexes belonging to Fayose, a development which has caused disquiet in the camp of the governor.

    The duplexes, worth N1.350billion, include four in Lagos and two in Abuja which were bought through his associate, Abiodun Agbele and Fayose’s sister. Mrs. Moji Ladeji.

    Fayose’s sister has, however, gone to the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti to file claims that one of the Abuja duplexes legally belong to her.

    According to sources, preliminary investigation by the EFCC indicated that the houses were bought with slush funds, including the alleged diversion of the N1.219billion smuggled to Fayose by Obanikoro and kickback cash from contractors

    Operatives of the anti-graft commission have marked the duplexes. They are: 44, Osun Crescent and 32, Yedseram Street in Maitama, Abuja as well as houses 3, 4, 6, and 9 in Plot 100, Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    It was gathered that the EFCC had traced how the funds were wired to pay for the duplexes.

    According to a document, while the duplex in Osun Crescent was allegedly bought for N200million from Skye Bank Plc, the one located in Yedseram Street in Abuja was purchased at N270million from a businessman, Rabi Kundili.

    All the houses in Lagos were paid for by Agbele, the detained associate of the governor who is also under investigation.

  • EFCC seizes N1.350b properties from Fayose

    EFCC seizes N1.350b properties from Fayose

    • Renews detention order on associate Agbele

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has seized six choice properties allegedly acquired by Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State with stolen public funds.

    The duplexes, estimated at N1.350billion include four in Lagos and two in Abuja.

    They were allegedly acquired for him by his associate, Abiodun Agbele and sister. Mrs. Moji Ladeji.

    A furious Mrs. Ladeji has approached the Federal High Court, Ado-Ekiti laying claim to one of the Abuja duplexes.

    EFCC, according to impeccable sources, believe that the properties were bought with public funds including the N1.219billion slush fund from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) handed over to Fayose by former Minister of Defence, Mr. Musiliu Obanikoro, and bribe money from contractors.

    Part of the funds came from the N4.745billion which was paid into Obanikoro’s company, Sylva Mcnamara by ONSA for the 2014 Ekiti governorship poll.

    Operatives of the anti-graft commission have located and marked the duplexes as follows: 44, Osun Crescent and 32, Yedseram Street in Maitama, Abuja; and houses 3, 4, 6, and 9 in Plot 100, Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    EFCC sources said the funds were wired to pay for the duplexes.

    While the duplex on Osun Crescent was allegedly bought for N200million from Skye Bank Plc, the one located in Yedseram Street in Abuja was purchased for  N270million from a businessman, Rabi Kundili.

    All the houses in Lagos were paid for by Abiodun Agbele, the detained associate of the governor who is currently under investigation.

    Agbele allegedly paid over N880 million for the Lagos properties.

    Sources said the duplexes were “acquired within 180 days in office by Fayose.”

    “We have discovered that he paid for the houses through his associate’s company, De-Privateer Limited of Agbele.

    “De-Privateer remitted slush funds into three accounts including FCMB (0519693019), First Bank of Nigeria (1000070240) and Zenith Bank (1014016919).

    “The payments were made as follows: First Bank—N40m (29/1/15); N39.5m (30/1/15); N132.5 (30/1/ 15); N3.2m (4/2/15); N980, 000(4/2/15); N200m (17/2/15); N47m (13/2/15); N50m (13/2/15).

    “The lodgements in an account in Zenith Bank (1014016919) included N42.5m (9/4/15); N25m (23/4/15); and N229m (6/3/15).

    “About N200million was paid into FCMB account 0519693019 on March 9, 2015.”

    He said the anti-graft agency seized the properties by invoking sections 28 and 34 of the EFCC (Establishment Act) 2004 and Section 13(1) of the Federal High Court Act, 2004 which empower the anti-graft agency to invoke Interim Assets Forfeiture Clause.

    “Section 28 of the EFCC Act reads: ‘Where a person is arrested for an offence under this Act, the Commission shall immediately trace and attach all the assets and properties of the person acquired as a result of such economic or financial crime and shall thereafter cause to be obtained an interim attachment order from the Court.’

    Section 13 of the Federal High Court Act reads in part: “The Court may grant an injunction or appoint a receiver by an interlocutory order in all cases in which it appears to the Court to be just or convenient so to do.

    (2) “Any such order may be made either unconditionally or on such terms and conditions as the Court thinks just.”

    The source added: “One of the suspects in custody, Agbele, has been linked to the purchase of most of all these properties. In fact, funds for the purchase of these mansions were laundered through the account of Agbele’s company called De-Privateer.

    “Since the houses are under investigation, we have decided to invoke the assets forfeiture clause in our Act.”

    Responding to a question, the source said: “The EFCC has secured a fresh court order to keep Agbele in custody because the on-going investigation has not been concluded.

    “So, the governor’s associate is still in detention because we have invited more people linked with the money laundering for the governor.”

    The source confirmed that Fayose’s sister, Mrs. Moji Ladeji has filed an affidavit in court claiming that she is the real owner of the property on Osun Crescent, Maitama District, Abuja.

    “We will meet her in court with all the evidence at our disposal,” the source added.

    The EFCC had secured a court order from Justice M. B. Idris of the Federal High Court, Lagos to freeze the accounts of Fayose, a development which the governor is already challenging in court.

    In an affidavit by an Investigating Officer, Tosin Owobo, the commission said: “That the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in the exercise of his statutory mandate contained in Section 34 of the EFCC Act having satisfied himself that the various sums of money in the account No. 1003126654, 9013074033, 1010170969 and 1013835888 domiciled with the 2nd Respondent were made through the commission of the an economic and financial crimes to wit: stealing and receiving gratification approached the Federal High Court Lagos Judicial Division, for an order directing the Manager of the 2nd Respondent to freeze the said accounts.

    “That in his wisdom, Hon. Justice M.B Idris granted the 1st Respondent’s application wherein an order of interim attachment was made on the aforementioned accounts. Attached and marked exhibit EFCC 09 is a certified true copy of the said order.

    “That the said order was a preservative order to prevent further dissipation of proceeds of crimes.”

    The EFCC also had succeeded in establishing money laundering link between Fayose and Agbele.

    Investigation revealed as follows; “The N1, 219, 490,000 was not deposited in any account but it was kept in a vault in the bank. It took the bank officials about 10 days to count. The bankers refused to make entry until it was counted.

    “Shortly after confirming the figure, Abiodun was used to coordinate the disbursement of the funds. On June 26, 2014, the wanted associate (Abiodun Agbele) paid N137million into Ayodele Fayose’s account 10003126654 with Zenith Bank through Teller-0556814. Fayose’s BVN on the teller is 22338867502. On August 22, 2014, he paid N50million into the same account. By the records from the bank, Abiodun paid another N118, 760,000 into Fayose’s account on 27/8/14.

    “Based on the transfers, Fayose moved N300million to a Fixed Deposit Account No 9013074033 with Zenith Bank at 15, Olusola Abiona Street, Olorunda Estate, Alapere Ketu. He has the same BVN-22338867502.

    “After that, Abiodun deposited another N100million from the N1, 219, 490,000 into Spotless Hotel Account run by Fayose and his wife, Helen Olayemi Fayose with Account No. 1010170969, Fayose’s BVN is 223338867502 and his wife’s BVN in the account is 22298990256.

    “The governor and his wife are the two directors and signatories of Spotless Hotel account.”

    In the course of the investigation, the EFCC team dug up how De Privateer Limited (a company owned by Abiodun Agbele) with Account No. 1013835889 received the sum of N219, 490,000 on June 18, 2014.

    “On June 19, 2014, the same account received N300million and another N200million on June 23, 2014. The BVN of the account is 22235692890.”