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  • No room for policy duplication in Lagos, says Obanikoro

    No room for policy duplication in Lagos, says Obanikoro

    Lagos State government will not permit policy duplications and uncoordinate programmes, Special Adviser on Parastatal Monitoring, Babajide Obanikoro, has said.

    The governor’s aide spoke at a summit in Lagos with the theme: “Enhancing Efficiency, Accountability and Strategic Governance across Lagos State and Federal Parastatals.”

    He said the summit is both strategic and timely, coming at a moment when the demands of governance increasingly require collaboration, coordination, and collective responsibility.

    Obanikoro, a former federal legislator, said the Parastatals Monitoring Office would always live to expectation as the channel for transmitting executive decisions and directives affecting all parastatals.

    He also said the office would continue to convene quarterly engagements with the State Chief Executive Officers and act as a critical liaison between Lagos State and other tiers of government on parastatal-related matters.

    Read Also: Nigeria, UAE to sign comprehensive economic partnership agreement at Tinubu–MBZ talks

     Obanikoro said: “Lagos State remains Nigeria’s economic nerve centre, hosting a significant concentration of Federal and State Government Parastatals operating within the same geographic and socio-economic space.

    “Yet, despite our shared objectives of service delivery and development, limited coordination has often resulted in policy duplication, overlapping mandates, inefficiencies, and the underutilisation of shared resources.

    “These gaps ultimately affect the quality, speed, and impact of services delivered to our people. This summit, therefore, presents a valuable opportunity to bridge institutional divides, encourage structured engagement, and foster pracltical collaboration between Federal and Lagos State Parastatals.”

    Obanikoro said the discussions promoted by the office align with the T.H.E.M.E. S Agenda of the Lagos State Government, which prioritises building a smarter, more inclusive, and better-governed mega-city.

    He added:”Achieving this vision requires institutions that do not work in silos, but rather in synergy—leveraging collective strengths, sharing data and resources, and aligning policies for maximum public value.”

  • Obanikoro seeks stronger states, federal parastatals synergy

    Obanikoro seeks stronger states, federal parastatals synergy

    Former member of House of Representatives and Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Parastatals Monitoring, Ibrahim Obanikoro, has called for stronger synergy between state and federal parastatals to enhance efficiency, accountability and strategic governance.

    He spoke at the maiden Lagos State and Federal Parastatals Summit: “Enhancing efficiency, accountability and strategic governance in Lagos State and Federal Parastatals.”

    Speaking on behalf of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the special adviser described the summit as timely and strategic, stressing that modern governance demands greater coordination, collaboration and shared responsibility among public institutions.

    He explained that the Parastatals Monitoring Office, under his supervision, serves as the central channel for transmitting executive decisions affecting parastatals, convenes quarterly engagements with chief executive officers, and acts as a liaison between Lagos State and other tiers on parastatal-related matters.

    According to Obanikoro, Lagos State remains Nigeria’s economic nerve centre, hosting a concentration of federal and state parastatals operating in the same geographical and socio-economic environment.

    He observed, however, that inadequate coordination among these institutions has led to policy duplication, overlapping mandates, operational inefficiencies and the underutilisation of shared resources.

    “These challenges ultimately impact the quality, speed and effectiveness of services delivered to our people,” Obanikoro said, underscoring the need for deliberate institutional alignment.

    He noted that the summit was convened to bridge existing institutional gaps, promote structured engagement and foster practical collaboration between federal and Lagos State parastatals.

    Read Also: Court okays interim forfeiture of N213.2b 57 assets by Malami, sons

    Describing the gathering as a platform for frank dialogue, knowledge exchange and solution-driven engagement, Obanikoro said the summit would enable participants to co-create frameworks that promote harmonised development outcomes and improved service delivery.

    He further stated that deliberations at the summit were aligned with the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda of the Sanwo-Olu administration, which prioritises the development of a smarter, more inclusive and better-governed megacity.

    Achieving this vision, he said, requires institutions to operate in synergy rather than isolation, adding that inter-agency cooperation is critical to sustainable growth and effective governance.

    The Special Adviser urged participants to engage openly, think innovatively and commit to actionable outcomes that would extend beyond the summit, translating discussions into concrete partnerships and measurable impact for Lagosians and Nigerians.

    The maiden summit marked a significant step toward strengthening coordination between Lagos State and Federal Parastatals, reinforcing the state government’s commitment to efficient governance and improved public service delivery.

    “Igbega Ipinle Eko, Ajumose Ni,” Obanikoro declared as he welcomed participants and wished them fruitful deliberations.

  • Obanikoro records major reforms one year as Sanwo-Olu’s aide

    Obanikoro records major reforms one year as Sanwo-Olu’s aide

    As Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro marks one year as Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Parastatals Monitoring, his tenure has been characterised by significant transformation in oversight practices, strengthened accountability frameworks, and enhanced operational efficiency across Lagos State’s parastatals, agencies, and government-owned companies.

    Since assuming office in December 2024, Obanikoro has repositioned the Parastatals Monitoring Office (PMO) as a strategic driver of institutional reform. His leadership has ensured that state-owned institutions operate in alignment with the T.H.E.M.E.S + Agenda, with a clear focus on service delivery, financial compliance, transparency, and value for money.

    A major achievement of his first year was a comprehensive inspection covering July 2024 to June 2025. The exercise assessed financial management, procurement processes, internal controls, and project implementation across parastatals. Far from being punitive, the review was aimed at identifying operational gaps, promoting adherence to due process, and supporting agencies in adopting best practices.

    To complement these inspections, the PMO organised management-level engagements, including a three-day retreat titled “Driving Oversight, Delivering Results.” The programme provided agency leaders with enhanced understanding of auditing standards, compliance requirements, and performance management, equipping them to deliver better results to the public.

    Obanikoro also led hands-on working tours and on-the-spot assessments of thirty-five parastatals, agencies, and government-owned companies. These visits went beyond ceremonial routines, allowing for direct evaluation of operational challenges, identification of improvement opportunities, and reinforcement of accountability. Key institutions visited included the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lagos State Wastewater Management Office, Lagos State Television and Video Exhibition Board, the Christian and Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, and Lekki Worldwide Investment Limited.

    Inter-agency collaboration was strengthened under his leadership. Platforms such as the Parastatals Revenue Generating Meeting, Parastatals Interface, and Stakeholders’ Synergy Meeting were enhanced, resulting in better coordination, improved revenue performance, and solution-oriented engagements among leadership teams.

    Workforce welfare also featured prominently. The PMO conducted the maiden Evaluation and Review of Contributory Pension Remittance for parastatals and agencies with directly recruited staff, safeguarding employees’ benefits and reinforcing confidence in public sector pension administration.

    In January 2025, the office hosted its first leadership retreat for CEOs of parastatals and agencies under the theme “Leadership and Good Governance: Strategies for Enhancing Performance, Service Delivery and Revenue Generation.” The retreat emphasised strong leadership, ethics, and effective governance, supporting the fourth pillar of the T.H.E.M.E.S + Agenda.

    Additionally, a project monitoring exercise covering twenty-five parastatals was conducted to ensure judicious use of public funds, strengthen value-for-money principles, and improve outcomes for residents.

    One year into his tenure, Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro has significantly transformed oversight, accountability, and institutional performance across Lagos State’s parastatals. His leadership reflects the administration’s commitment to building efficient, transparent, and results-oriented public institutions capable of delivering tangible benefits to the people.

  • FCC: Obanikoro lauds appointment of Bawallah, others

    FCC: Obanikoro lauds appointment of Bawallah, others

    A former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musilu Obanikoro, has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the appointment of members of the Federal Character Commission (FCC).

    He said the appointments reflected the administration’s commitment to equity, fairness, inclusivity, and fidelity to the actualisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    President Tinubu has named Mrs. Ayo Omidiran, a former House of Representatives member from Osun State, as Chairman of the commission.

    He also renewed the appointments of Eludayo Eluyemi (Osun), Abdulwasiu Bawalla (Lagos), and Kayode Oladele (Ogun).

    Other commissioners from the Southwest are: Sola Fakanle (Ekiti), Bola Ajimuda (Ondo), and Ayodeji Aleshinloye (Oyo).

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu, Obanikoro hail Akinlola-Hassan’s ‘achievements’

    In a statement yesterday, Obanikoro noted that President Tinubu considered the criteria of merit, competence, capability, efficiency, spread and balance, patriotism and loyalty to the nation in the recomposition of the FCC leadership.

    The former minister said the reappointment of the FCC commissioners underscored the significance of their performance, recognition of their track records, and acknowledgment of their contributions to the fulfilment of the vision, mission, and mandate of the commission.

    Obanikoro said: “I applaud the President for selecting from the Southwest competent, resourceful, and patriotic Nigerians who are equipped with the experience, skills, endowment, and intellectual wherewithal to tackle the challenge imposed by the discharge of the statutory objectives of the commission, based on national interest.

    “I am confident, judging by their antecedents in the political life and public service, that they will predictably live to expectation and assist in driving the reforms critical to the consolidation of national unity, harmony, and oneness.”

  • Protest: Be patient with Tinubu, Obanikoro urges youths

    Protest: Be patient with Tinubu, Obanikoro urges youths

    A former minister of state for Defence and Foreign Affairs, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, has appealed to youths to be patient with the PresidentBola Tinubu’s administration.

    He urged them not to embark on the proposed nationwide protest.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain made the impassioned appeal in a statement he personally issued in Lagos.

    Obanikoro, a former Nigerian Ambassador to Ghana, acknowledged the challenges faced by the country and the frustration that has been building among young people. 

    However, he urged the youth to trust in the government’s efforts to address their concerns and work towards a better future.

    Obanikoro reiterated that the youth are the backbone of the nation and the driving force behind change. 

    He acknowledged the high levels of discomfort the people are feeling, as well as poverty and inequality that have led to widespread discontent among young people.

    He, however, assured the youth that the government is working tirelessly to create opportunities, improve infrastructure and provide access to quality education, healthcare, and most importantly food for all.

    The statement reads in parts: “My dear young ones and all Nigerians, I appeal to you to be patient with President Tinubu to make things right. 

    “He inherited most of these challenges and change does not happen overnight. 

    “I can assure you that he and his team are committed to laying the foundation for a prosperous future.

    “We need your patience and understanding to achieve this goal.

    “As a concerned leader and citizen, I recognise your constitutional rights to protest but want you  to reconsider the planned protest against the government because of the level of insecurity resulting from ethnic and religious conflicts. 

    “Furthermore,  the possibility of those who don’t mean well for the country to hijack the protest is real. 

    “I understand that frustrations and concerns about the country’s challenges are real, and I acknowledge the passion and energy that drives your desire for change.

    “However, I urge you to consider the potential consequences of protests, including harm to well intentioned protesters, unrest, looting and other negative activities which the 5th columnists may hide under to perpetrate.

    “There are reasons for optimism. Government policies require time to manifest in our lives. 

    Read Also: Alleged N4.6bn fraud: How Obanikoro got N19m for delivering N1.2bn to Fayose, by witness

    “President Tinubu’s investments in infrastructure, healthcare, technology, education in the forms of student loans, fighting insecurity, ensuring stable power supply are evidence of government’s commitment to building a better future.

    “Rather than embarking on protest which may eventually lead to wanton destroy of private and public property, I urged the youth to engage with the government and participate in the democratic process. 

    “Despite the frustrations, it is crucial to trust in the government’s efforts to address your concerns. 

    “By working together, I believe that Nigeria can overcome its challenges and build a brighter future for all.”

  • Obanikoro ends evidence against Fayose

    The Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday discharged former Minister of State for Defence Senator Musiliu Obanikoro as a witness in the trial of former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose.

    Obanikoro testified as the fifth witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Under cross examination by counsel for Spotless Limited, Fayose’s co-accused, Mr Olalekan Ojo (SAN), Obanikoro said there was no documentary evidence to back up all he said in court.

    Ojo asked him: “Did you produce any evidence to back any of your assertions before this court?”

    Obanikoro answered: “No.”

    Ojo asked the former minister about his late personal assistant Justin Erukaa, whose statement made during investigation was earlier admitted in evidence.

    The witness said: “Erukaa left Lagos a day before Salah about two years ago.

    “The Police called one of my special assistants saying the owner of the phone died on the spot in a motor accident. My PA immediately called me.”

    After Ojo said he had no further questions for Obanikoro, prosecuting counsel Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) called the sixth prosecuting witness (PW6), Mr. Olugboyega Omotayo Falae, a banker.

    The EFCC had alleged Fayose acquired a property on 44, Osun Crescent, Maitama, Abuja in the name of his elder sister, Moji Oladeji, with N200million.

    Falae, who works with Ecobank Nigeria, said he was a staff of Skye Bank (now Polaris Bank) when the transaction occurred.

    He said as head of the estate support department, he knew about how the property came to be sold.

    According to him, the bank occasionally disposes of some properties “that are in excess of its requirements.”

    He said the Osun Crescent property was one of those the bank decided to dispose of.

    Falae said once the bank’s management gave approval, a list of properties was given to agents who would source for buyers.

    He said the bank got offers, including one from one Mrs. Titiloye Orebiyi.

    “Eventually we agreed on N200million for the property. The documents of the transaction were submitted to the EFCC.

    “On April 20, 2015, we wrote an internal memo and a letter of acceptance to the Managing Director of Signature Integrated Ltd (Mrs Orebiyi) accepting their N200million offer and indicating which bank account to pay to,” he said.

    The court admitted some of the transaction documents in evidence.

    Fayose is on trial for allegedly receiving and keeping N1.2billion and $5million allegedly stolen from the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA) contrary to the Money Laundering Act.

    He 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.

    Fayose pleaded not guilty.

    Trial continues tomorrow.

  • Fayose: Court admits Obanikoro’s dead aide’s statement in evidence

    The Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday admitted in evidence a statement made by the late Justin Erukaa, a former Personal Assistant of ex-Minister of State for Defence Senator Musiliu Obanikoro.

    Justice Mojisola Olatoregun held that the statement was admissible in law.

    Obanikoro was testifying for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the trial of former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose.

    Counsel for Spotless Limited, Fayose’s co-accused, Mr Olalekan Ojo (SAN), had during proceedings on February 7 urged the judge to admit the statement in evidence.

    He said the statement was relevant to the case because Erukaa made it in the course of EFCC’s investigation.

    “In law, the first litmus test of admissibility is relevance. Obanikoro said in his testimony that he sent Erukaa on errands, including to collect over $1million and that he came to meet him in Ekiti.

    Read Also: Fayose’s kinsmen defect to APC in Ekiti

    “In law, a statement made to the EFCC in the course of investigation is admissible in evidence without the maker being called as witness or being a party to proceedings.

    “It is not the law that a document which is not tendered through the maker is not admissible,” the SAN said, relying on sections 36 and 83 of the Evidence Act.

    But, prosecuting counsel Rotimi Jacobs opposed Ojo’s bid to tender the statement, arguing that it was not admission in law.

    He said the sections relied on by Ojo were not application in the circumstances.

    But the judge overruled Jacobs, holding that Section 46 of the Evidence Act make such a document admissible.

    She said the issue was what weight the court would attach to the statement, which was the court’s to determine.

    Fayose is on trial for allegedly receiving and keeping N1.2billion and $5million allegedly stolen from the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA) contrary to the Money Laundering Act.

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

    Under cross examination on Monday, Obanikoro reiterated that three were no records of the money sent from ONSA.

    “We’re dealing with security issues. It can be called anything just to protect the transactions. They can be characterised as anything,” he said.

    He said there was no contract awarded before the fund was transferred, adding that he supervised Sylvan Mcnamara Ltd’s account from which the fund was disbursed.

    He said funds paid into the account were for the security of Lagos, and for election purposes in Ekiti and Osun states.

    “I only took supervisory responsibility of the account during the transactions for Lagos, Ekiti and Osun.

    “No contract was signed. Matters of election can be matters of security. Political matters can also be security-related,” Obanikoro said.

    Asked if he would be surprised that the ONSA denied paying N2.2billion to Sylvan Mcnamara’s account, Obanikoro said: “I won’t be surprised.”

    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.

    Fayose pleaded not guilty.

    Trial continues Tuesday.

  • Updated: Fayose: Judge threatens to order Obanikoro’s arrest

    Justice Mojisola Olatoregun of the Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday threatened to order the arrest of former minister of State for defence Senator Musiliu Obanikoro for being absent.

    The absence of Obanikoro, who is testifying for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the trial of former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, stalled the continuation of his cross-examination.

    EFCC lawyer Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) said Obanikoro took ill and was admitted.

    “I called him on Wednesday to notify him about today’s proceedings.

    “He said he thought he would be discharged on Wednesday (when the court did not sit).

    “This morning, I couldn’t reach him on phone. But his Special Assistant came and informed me that Obanikoro was in the hospital receiving treatment,” he said.

    When the judge asked for a medical report, Jacobs submitted one given him by Obanikoro’s aide.

    But the judge appeared unconvinced by the report.

    She said Obanikoro had a civic obligation to be in court to continue with his testimony.

    “If I want to pursue it, the medical doctor may lose his license for issuing this report. But I will accept this because you (Jacobs) are a responsible member of the inner bar,” she said.

    Fayose’s lawyer Mr Ola Olanipekun (SAN) said he would have applied for a bench warrant for Obanikoro’s arrest but urged the judge to send a clear warning to the witness.

    Justice Olatoregun she said she would not hesitate to order Obanikoro’s arrest should he fails to appear at the next adjourned date.

    “If he fails to appear, he’ll be sent to jail and they’ll be bringing him from there with Black Maria,” the judge said.

    In a short ruling, the judge said he would give Obanikoro the benefit of the doubt.

    She added that she hoped he would be in court next time, failing which she would have “no choice” than to order his arrest.

    Earlier, Jacobs and counsel for Spotless Limited, Fayose’s co-accused, Mr Olalekan Ojo (SAN), addressed the judge on whether a statement made by the late Justin Erukaa, Obanikoro’s associate, could be tendered.

    Ojo said the statement was relevant to the case because Erukaa made the statement in the course of the investigation.

    “In law, the first litmus test of admissibility is relevance. Obanikoro said in his testimony that he sent Erukaa on errands, including to collect over $1million and that he came to meet him in Ekiti.

    “In law, a statement made to the EFCC in the course of investigation is admissible in evidence without the maker being called as witness or being a party to proceedings.

    “It is not the law that a document which is not tendered through the maker is not admissible,” the SAN said, relying on sections 39 and 83 of the Evidence Act.

    But, Jacobs opposed Ojo’s bid to tender the statement, arguing that it was not admission in law.

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

    He said the sections relied on by Ojo were not application in the circumstances.

    “He wants to smuggle the statement in,” he said.

    According to Jacobs, certain conditions must be met before a statement made by a dead person could be tendered, including that the person must have appeared in the proceedings.

    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.

    Fayose pleaded not guilty.

    Justice Olatoregun adjourned until February 18, 19 and 20 for ruling and continuation of trial.

     

     

  • Obanikoro calls for violence-free campaigns

    Former Minister of State for Defense Senator Musiliu Obanikoro has called for issue-oriented campaigns, urging All Progressives Congress (APC) members in Lagos State to shun rancour and violence.

    He spoke at the meeting of the members of Field Directorate of the APC Presidential Campaigns at the party office on Ace Road, Ogba, Ikeja.

    At the meeting were the chairman of Lagos State chapter, Jimmy Bello, Lagos State APC Director of Organisation, Abdullahi Enilolobo and the southwest coordinator, Bola Ilori, who gave a report on the activities of the directorate, led by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and local government coordinators.

    Describing the presidential election as a challenging exercise, Obanikoro enjoined the campaigners to shun intimidation from any quarter,

    Enilolobo advised members of the group to be guided by the objectives of the directoratein theor mobilisation of the electorate.

    Bello advised the campaigners to use their influence in the local areas to mobilise voters to support President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice president Yemi Osinbajo during the doo-to-door campaigns.

    Ilori called for vigorous campaigns, saying that the campaigners must enlighten the voting public on the achievements of President Buhari.

    In his message to the group, Ribadu urged the coordinators to remain steadfast to the goals of the directorate.

    Thanking the Lagos State chapter, he said the directorate looked forward to a successful mobilisation of votes in the state in support of the APC.

  • Dasuki’s billions not illicit, says Obanikoro

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

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

    The former minister, the fifth prosecution witness, spoke at the continuation of his cross-examination in the trial of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele 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 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 (JTF) 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), lawyer to 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, I made the last statement, after I made the one of October 19, 2016.

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

    “I’ve been reporting at the EFCC (office) 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 the NSA and Taiwo Kareem, who he said owned Sylvan Mcnamara Limited, through which the 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’s Managing Director) for the payment of N1.2 billion. 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 N1.2 billion,” he said.

    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 the NSA for security purposes, it was agreed that I would supervise the account because of the 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 skilful 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.

    “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 N4.7 billion was paid to Sylvan Mcnamara’s account from ONSA.”

    Fayose is on trial for allegedly receiving and keeping N1.2 billion and $5 million allegedly stolen from ONSA, in violation of the Money Laundering Act.

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

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

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