Former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, may have made up his mind to dump the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and pitch his political tent with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Koro, as he is fondly called, according to reliable sources, has been making overtures to leaders of the ruling party as part of efforts towards his joining the APC.
The Nation at the weekend gathered that baring last minute changes, the former governorship candidate of the PDP will join APC in a matter of days. According to sources within the ruling party in Lagos State, leaders of the APC will be discussing the defection plan of Obanikoro this week. The decision to look into his request to join the party followed what some sources described as a positive nod from the national leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
It was however gathered that Tinubu initially showed reluctance to Obanikoro’s return to his political camp which he deserted over a decade ago to join the then ruling PDP. But the national leader soft pedalled on his stance after the former Minister reached out to some prominent Lagosians to intercede on his behalf before Tinubu.
The Nation gathered that Tinubu eventually agreed to meet with his erstwhile godson after much pleading. “It was after the two met that Obanikoro started getting good response from APC leaders in his quest to join the party. Many prominent Lagosians, including monarchs and business moguls, intervened on his behalf.
“And when he met Asiwaju, he apologized profusely for his past misdeeds and political miscalculations. You know Asiwaju has a large heart. It appears he forgave him and gave a positive nod to his quest to join the APC. Following that, Obanikoro met and discussed with several other party leaders.
“It is likely that the party leadership will formally discuss his request to join the APC this week. It is most likely that he will be considered positively. On his part, the former Minister is not leaving anybody in doubt that he is ready to join the ruling party. There are even talks that he nurses a return to the senate on the platform of the APC come 2019,” our source added.
Tag: Obanikoro
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Obanikoro set to join APC
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Obanikoro, family lose suit against EFCC
THE Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday struck out a N100 million suit filed by a former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro and his family against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over seizure and detention of their property.
The plaintiffs asked for a declaration that the forceful seizure of their personal effects last June 14 constitutes a gross violation of their rights. They demanded an “unreserved public apology”, as well as N100 million general damages.
Justice Abdullazeez Anka held that he would not be justified to nullify the search warrant on the basis of which EFCC acted as the things seized could be used as evidence by the commission during a possible “imminent prosecution of the applicants by the respondent in a criminal court”.
He said nullifying the search warrant would amount to shutting out the respondent, which has a statutory power to investigate and prosecute persons involved in economic and financial crimes.
The applicants include Obanikoro’s wife Moroophat, his sons Gbolahan and Babajide, and his wife Fati.
EFCC claimed Obanikoro received suspicious payments from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) through companies linked to the family.
But, the family, though their lawyer Lawal Pedro (SAN), said the documents and properties EFCC seized “have nothing to do with the ONSA.”
Justice Abdulazeez Anka held: “The gist of the applicant’s case as contained in the affidavit in support is that the EFCC which is investigating the offence of fraud involved in the office of the then National Security Adviser, discovered large sums of monies paid into various companies, whose signatories are the third and fourth applicant.
“Subsequently, the commission applied to a Lagos State Magistrate Court for a search warrant of the applicants’ house, with a view to recovering the incriminating items that will aid investigation.
“What I can deduce from the argument of the learned SAN is the alleged illegality of the search, as well as evidences adduced. The question however is whether at this stage, the court can be justified in declaring the said search as unlawful.
“In my view, the legality or otherwise of the searches as well as evidences obtained can be taken up and thrashed when such issues comes up for hearing.
“The test to be applied in determining whether an evidence is admissible is relevance; if such evidence is admissible, the court is not concerned how it was obtained.
“The respondent has exhibited a certified true copy of the search warrant as obtained from the Magistrate Court of Lagos, as well as documents recovered.
“Hence, parties ought to sheath their swords until such evidences are adduced in court when parties will have opportunity of objecting to the admissibility of evidences.
“Approaching the court three days after such search is conducted in other to quash same, will in my view, amount to pre-empting the possible outcome of the criminal trial, which is yet to be embarked upon.
“This application to declare the search and seizure of properties illegal, is in my view, akin to pre-empting objection to the admissibility of a document in the main suit.
“In the light of the above, I hold that the preliminary objection succeeds; this application is hereby struck out. Parties have a right of appeal, and I so holds.”
The EFCC claimed that it searched the Obanikoro’s home while investigating an alleged fraudulent payment of the sums of N46,219,950,239.25 and $33,296,548,50 paid by ONSA to various companies without any accompanying contractual agreements and approvals.
Among the beneficiaries are Sylvan McNamara Ltd. to which Obanikoro’s children, Gbolahan and Babajide, alongside Mr. Ikenne Ezekwe and Mrs. Theresa Matuluko, were signatories, EFCC said.
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Obanikoro, family sue EFCC for N100m
Senator Musiliu Obanikoro and his family have sued the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the Federal High Court in Lagos over the seizure and detention of their property.
They are seeking a declaration that the forceful seizure of their personal effects constitutes a gross violation of their rights.
The applicants are praying for an order setting aside the forceful detention of their properties last June 14.
They demanded an “unreserved public apology”, as well as N100 million as general damages from EFCC.
The Obanikoros also sought an order restraining EFCC from arresting, detaining or harassing them or entering their premises again to seize their properties.
The applicants include Obanikoro’s wife Moroophat, his sons Gbolahan and Babajide.
EFCC claimed Obanikoro received suspicious payments from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) through companies linked to the family.
For instance, the commission said $1,018,000 was transferred from the ONSA to Mob Integrated Services on March 18, 2015.
But, the family, through their lawyer, Lawal Pedro (SAN), said the documents and properties EFCC seized “have nothing to do with the ONSA”.
They claimed that the commission violated Regulation 13 of the EFCC (Enforcement Regulation) 2010, which provides that it shall apply and obtain a court order to enter and search any premises.
However, EFCC has urged the court to dismiss the suit, insisting that it acted within the law.
Justice Abdulazeez Anka adjourned until March 28 for ruling.
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‘Obanikoro’s evidence has vindicated me’
The whistleblower on the alleged fraud that marred the 2014 governorship election in Ekiti State, Temitope Aluko, has said he has been vindicated by the evidence given in court by former Minister of State (Defence) Musiliu Obanikoro.
Aluko said the court cannot be stopped from revisiting the alleged manipulation of the polls with fresh evidence of the use of arms fund, soldiers and other acts that violated the Electoral Act.
He added that the January 24 Federal High Court judgment ,which took the control of the state PDP structure away from Governor Ayo Fayose, has saved the party and ended one-man dictatorship.
Speaking on a special interview programme on ADABA 88.9 FM monitored by our reporter, Aluko said Fayose was afraid of his shadow, adding that the governor knew that the election violated the constitution and the Electoral Act.
He said Obanikoro’s confessions that he gave Fayose $5.37 million while another N1.3 billion was given to his (Fayose’s) associate, Abiodun Agbele has confirmed his (Aluko’s) revelations that arms cash were diverted to ‘fraudulently’ procure victory for the governor.
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PDP: Ikimi, Obanikoro, Ihedioha, others seek power shift to South in 2019
Some prominent chieftains of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from the southern part of the country are pushing for power shift to the South in 2019.
Coming under the aegis of PDP Southern Leaders Consultative Forum, the group is headed by a former Foreign Affairs Minister, Chief Tom Ikimi.
Present at its inaugural meeting in Abuja yesterday were prominent chieftains of the PDP from Southsouth, Southeast and Southwest, such as a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Emeka Ihedioha, Senator Ben Obi, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro and Alhaji Shuaibu Oyedokun, Prince Dayo Adeyeye and Senator Akinlabi Olasunkanmi.
Others are Mr. Jimi Agbaje, Senator Iyiola Omisore, Mr. Jide Adeniji, Rep Ladi Adebutu, Chief Raymond Dokpesi and Senator Anietie Okon among others.
Ikimi said the forum assumed responsibility for charting a new direction for PDP, particularly in the three geopolitical zones in the South.
He stated that the North and the South had produced two presidents each since the beginning of the country’s democratic rule in 1999.
“The South has produced two presidents in the person of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, while the North has also produced two presidents in the person of the late Umaru Yar ‘Adua and General Muhammadu Buhari,” Ikimi said.
He, however, said the aim of the forum was not to divide the PDP, but to go as a movement for effective forum for unity of purpose.
“I can assure you that members of the PDP from the North are also meeting and strategising. If the South is not united and come together, everything will be lost,” Ikimi added.
He urged PDP members to minimise internal conflicts and put its house in order, adding that the leadership crisis plaguing the party will soon come to an end.
The group set up a seven-member committee for the purpose of formulating its structure.
The committee is chaired by former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke.
Members of the committee are a former House of Representatives Leader, Mrs. Mulikat Akande; Mrs. Remi Adiukwu; Mrs. Fidelia Njeze; Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu; Senator Nimi Barigha Amange and Senator Stella Onu.
The committee was given two weeks to conclude its assignment.
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Ikimi, Obanikoro, other PDP chiefs canvass power shift in 2019
Some prominent chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the southern parts of the country are pushing for power shift to the region in 2019.
Coming under the aegis of the PDP Southern Leaders’ Consultative Forum, the group is headed by a former Foreign Affairs Minister, Chief Tom Ikimi.
In attendance at its inaugural meeting in Abuja on Thursday, were prominent chieftains of the PDP from the South-South, South East and the South West.
In his opening remarks, Ikimi said the Forum has assumed responsibility for charting a new direction for the PDP, particularly in the three geopolitical zones in the south.
He stated that the North and the South had produced two presidents each since the beginning of the country’s democratic rule in 1999.
He said, “The South has produced two presidents in the person of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, while the North has also produced two presidents in the person of the late Umaru Yar ‘Adua and Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.”
Ikimi, however, said the aim of the Forum is not to divide the PDP but to go as a movement for effective forum for unity of purpose.
“I can assure you that members of the PDP from the North are also meeting and strategising. If the South is not united and come together, everything will be lost,” the ex-minister added.
He urged members of the PDP to minimise internal conflicts in the party and put the house in order, adding that the leadership crisis plaguing the party would soon come to an end.
The group then set up a seven-member committee for the purpose of formulating a structure for the Forum.
The committee is chaired by a former Governor of Cross River State, Mr. Liyel Imoke.
Members of the committee are include a former House of Representatives Leader, Mrs. Mulikat Akande; Mrs. Remi Adiukwu; Mrs. Fidelia Njeze; Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu; Senator Nimi Barigha Amange and Senator Stella Onu.
The committee was given two weeks to conclude its assignment.
Those at the meeting were a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Emeka Ihedioha; Senator Ben Obi; Senator Musiliu Obanikoro; Alhaji Shuaibu Oyedokun; Prince Dayo Adeyeye; and Senator Akinlabi Olasunkanmi.
Others are Mr. Jimi Agbaje; Senator Iyiola Omisore; Mr. Jide Adeniji; Ladi Adebutu; Chief Raymond Dokpesi and Senator Anietie Okon, among others.
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Osoba, Seriki, Obanikoro, others eulogise Gbadamosi at burial
The cream of the society yesterday trooped to the ancient town of Ikorodu, Lagos State, for the burial of foremost industrialist and business icon, Chief Rashid Gbadamosi.
The burial ceremony took place at his Kunbi Haven residence, situated on Sule Oyesola Gbadamosi Crescent, Kokoro-Abu, Ikorodu.
As early as 8 a.m., sympathisers started arriving at his home. They all described him as a true son of Ikorodu and Lagos State.
At exactly 2.00p.m., the Grand Chief Imam of Ikorodu Division, Sheik Seifudeen Ayinla Ademoritan Olowooribi, leading other Imams, led the congregation in the last prayer for the deceased.
His body was lowered into a vault that was prepared for him many years ago, at exactly 2.15p.m.
The state government was represented at the ceremony by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Olukunle Ojo, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Prince Rotimi Ogunleye, Commissioner for Arts, Tourism and Culture Mrs. Adebimpe Akinsola and Special Adviser on Overseas Affairs and Investment (Lagos Global) Prof. Ademola Abass.
Other dignitaries included former ministers Prince Ademola Seriki and Musiliu Obanikoro; former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba and wife, Derinsola; a former Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Fatai Adeyinka; Justice of the Court of Appeal Justice Habeeb Abiru ; Director, Eko Hospital, Olorogun Sunny Kuku; Oriwu Sun Publisher Alhaji Monsur Olowosago; Majority Leader, Lagos House of Assembly S.O.B. Agunbiade; Managing Director, AIICO Pension Manager Mr. Equarekhile Longer and others.
Oba of Lagos Rilwanu Akiolu, Ayangburen of Ikorodu Oba Adewale Shotobi were represented by bearers of staff of their respective royal insignia.
In his graveside oration ladden with Qur’anic recitations, Sheik Olowooribi, who was full of encomiums for the deceased, praised almighty Allah for granting Gbadamosi’s wishes.
He admonished sympathisers to think of death and how it would come and ensure that they were always in good stead.
Sheik Olowooribi, who noted that the vault had been prepared long before his death, said: “While some were buried in unknown places or missing, the almighty Allah granted his wish. It is where he wished to be buried that he was buried. Allah is great.”
He said the deceased was good to all who came across him during his lifetime and prayed almighty Allah to forgive his sins.
The deceased’s daughter, Mrs. Kunbi Osinoiki, in a chat with reporters, noted that Gbadamosi built bridges across national facets.
Aside from being an industrialist, she said her father was passionate about drama and dramatists and assisted some of them to prominence.
It was her wish that her father would be remembered by Nigerians for his contributions to the national economic growth as a former Minister for National Development and Economic Planning and Chairman, Petroleum Pricing and Regulating Agency(PPRA) and former Chairman, Nigerian Industrial and Development Bank (NIDB).
Although Gbadamosi was not politically active, she noted that her father served the country in whatever capacity he was appointed because he was passionate about Nigeria.
Ogunleye, who spoke on behalf of Lagos State delegation, noted Gbadamosi’s contribution to the development of the state as a premier Commissioner at age 27.
Ogunleye said the late Gbadamosi did so much for Lagos State and Nigeria and that his shoes would be difficult to fill.
Chief Osoba, who said he was close to the deceased for over 60years, described his death as too sudden.
He urged the young ones to emulate him, particularly for his selfless service to the country.
Yeni kuti, whose late father, Fela Anikulapo, was a close friend of the deceased, said his death was too sudden and shocking.
“It was so sad an end to such a vibrant uncle and an industrialist that provided jobs to many. He was our rock. When Fela died, he was there for us. When my sister died, he was there for us and all through. We would miss him,” she lamented.
Justice Adeyinka, who repeatedly called the deceased by his alias, “ R.A. Jojolo”, said the vacuum created by his death would take a long time to fill.
Seriki described him as “a good man, highly principled, a man of strong philosophy and a man full of ordinary.”
Obanikoro said the late Gbadamosi was an “ extraordinary man blessed with extraordinary records of achievements. A mentor, trailblazer and an excellent Lagosian”.
President Oriwu Club, Ikorodu, Alhaji Shafari Aremu Sule, said the deceased served three tenures as president of the club because of his goodness and the fact that he was morally upright.
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It took 10 days to count N1.22b cash Obanikoro brought for Fayose, says witness
A Federal High Court in Abuja heard yesterday that it took bank officials 10 days to count the N1.22billion cash delivered to aides of Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose by former Minister of State for Defence Musiliu Obanikoro in 2014.
A banker, Sunday Oguseye Alade, told the court how officials took turns to count the huge cash in N1000 and N500 denominations.
Alade, who told the court how they evacuated the huge cash, allegedly airlifted to Akure airport twice by Obanikoro, said he “got worried” when he saw the large consignment of cash.
The banker was testifying as the first prosecution witness in the trial of Fayose’s aide, Abiodun Agbele.
Alade testifying on October 27, gave details of how he and some others, led by Agbele, received the money at the Akure airport in Ondo State; counted it and lodged some into accounts owned by Fayose and two companies – Spotless Investment Ltd and De Privateer Ltd.
Agbele is being tried with three companies – Sylvan Mcnamara Ltd, De Privateer and Spotless – on 11 counts of money laundering involving about N4,685,723,000,000, allegedly taken by the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki from the account of the office of the NSA domiciled in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The prosecution alleged that the accused knew the N4,685,723,000,000 formed part of the proceeds of alleged unlawful activities by Dasuki.
The prosecution alleged that on June 17, 2014, Agbele, Obanikoro and other suspects (said to be at large), took N1,219,000,000 from the N4,685,723,000,000, when they “reasonably ought to have known” that the money was part of proceeds of Dasuki’s unlawful activity.”
Alade, who was cross-examined yesterday before Justice Nnamdi Dimgba by Agbele’s lawyer, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), said “it took us 10 whole days to count the money after we brought it from the Akure Aiport.”
“It took us from 8am to 3pm daily to count the money. Some time, the officials counting it will take time off.” He said the total amount was N1,219,490,000.
When asked how they preserved what was left uncounted at the end of each day, Alade said what was left uncounted at the end of a particular day was kept in boxes “as boxed cash” and secured in the bank’s strong room.
On how he went to the airport to receive the money, Alade said: “I went to the airport from my office with one car, a bullion van and two Hilux vans, carrying the security men.”
Alade, who said it was unusual for customers to ferry cash to their bank in aircraft, said he was initially not worried when told to go to the Akure airport to receive the money.
He, however, told the court that he got worried on seeing the size of the cash. He said he did not report the unusual transaction to the relevant government agencies because it was not his responsibility to report suspicious transactions.
At the commencement of proceedings yesterday, Ozekhome withdrew his appearance for the second defendant, Sylvan Mcnamara Ltd (a firm believed to be owned by Obanikoro).
Earlier yesterday, while being led in evidence by the lead prosecution lawyer, Wahab Shittu, Alade identified documents, including account opening packages, for the accounts of Fayose, Spotless Investment and Deprivateer and statements of transactions in the accounts.
The documents were admitted by the court in evidence.
He told the court Agbele gave directives on how the money was disbursed and went away with the cash balance of over N230m, which he (Agbele) allegedly took to Ado Ekiti (the Ekiti State capital).
“It was Mr. Abiodun Agbele, who took custody of the cash when the aircraft landed at Akure airport on June 17, 2014. It was Mr. Abiodun Agbele who gave the instruction that the cash be transferred to Zenith Bank, Akure branch.
“The instruction about which specific accounts the funds should be transferred was given by Mr. Abiodun Agbele. The entire transaction was processed on behalf of Mr. Abiodun Agbele,” Alade said.
Reading from the bank statements earlier tendered, Alade noted that On June 17, 2014, N100m was paid into Spotless’ account. On June 18, 2014, N219,490,000 was paid into Deprivateer’s account.
“On June 19, 2014, a deposit of N300m was made to Deprivateer. On June 23, 2014, N200m deposit was made into Deprivateer’s account. On June 26, 2014, N137m was paid into Ayodele Fayose’s account.
“The balance of over N230m cash was taken by Mr. Abiodun Agbele with our bullion van to Ado-Ekiti,” the witness said.
The hearing continues.
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Kukah meets Fani-Kayode, Obanikoro, Abati at EFCC
Catholic Diocese of Sokoto Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah yesterday met with some detainees in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He prayed for the detainees, including former ministers Musiliu Obanikoro and Femi Fani-Kayode and a former presidential spokesman Dr. Reuben Abati.
According to a statement by the EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, Father Kukah praised the agency on the state of its facilities in Abuja, which he described as ‘clean and orderly”.
The statement said: “Bishop Kukah made the remarks during an unscheduled visit to the commission’s detention facility and clinic, where he felicitated with some of the inmates, which included former ministers Femi Fani-Kayode, Musiliu Obanikoro and a former presidential spokesperson, Reuben Abati.
“The revered priest, who was conducted round the facilities by the acting Chairman of the Commission, Ibrahim Magu, expressed delight that the detainees appeared in high spirits despite the discomfort of temporary restriction.
“He urged them not to be downcast and to see their current travail as divine.”
Father Kukah, who prayed for the inmates, summed up his visit thus: “I discussed with some detained suspects, like Femi Fani-Kayode, Musiliu Obanikoro and Reuben Abati; and I am quite pleased they are looking cheerful.
“I was also happy with the humility of the acting chairman who took me round and the way he interacted with the detainees. This is what is important for our country so that nobody takes these kinds of things personal. I am happy I came.
“We are all staff of EFCC to the extent that we want a better country and we are doing what needs to be done. We’ll continue praying that God guides you, keeps you safe and ensure that we build a country that we all will be proud of.
“This country has suffered so much, but we hope and pray that we can bring the suffering and trauma to an end as we collectively fight corruption.”
Magu assured the inmates that their incarceration was not personal.
“It is not personal. This is all about Nigeria and making it better. And I think there is a consensus around this,” he said.
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Obanikoro targets first N100m refund for freedom
Former Minister of State (Defence) Musiliu Obanikoro is yet to refund the N785million allegedly collected from the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA), The Nation learnt yesterday.
Of the cash, Obanikoro planned to immediately refund about N100million to regain his freedom and look for the balance.
From ONSA, about N4.685billon was transferred to Sylva McNamara Limited, a company allegedly linked to the ex-minister.
Obanikoro told Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) detectives that N3.880billion was given to Governor Ayodele Fayose and Sen. Iyiola Omisore out of the said cash.
He also said he handed over $5.377m (N60m then) cash to Fayose at Spotless Hotel, Ado-Ekiti in the presence of the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Secretary Tope Aluko and other party stalwarts.
He said the balance of N785million was expended on alleged anti-Boko Haram campaign in Lagos and the Southwest by Sylvan Mcnamara.
The ex-minister is said to be desperately seeking how to refund the money.
A top source, who spoke with our correspondent, said: “The ex-Minister is yet to pay back any money out of the N785million in question. Although he promised initial remittance of N100million, he is yet to do so.
“Instead, he said he will make a commitment to the EFCC to refund the cash. He begged for more time to enable him to look for the refund.
“We are however expecting him to make reasonable refund; we cannot accept just an undertaking from him. He needs to live up to his promise.
“The refusal to refund any amount has been a major issue why his bail is being delayed.”
The EFCC had discovered that Sylvan Mcnamara Limited, allegedly owned by Obanikoro and his sons, was used to launder the N4.745billion.
The company, which was incorporated in November 2011, has the following as its directors: a close aide of the ex-minister, Ikenna Ezekwe(700,000 shares) of 51 Simpson Street, Ebute-Metta; Idowu Oshodi(299,000 shares) of 8, Prince Tayo Adesanya Street, Park View Estate, Ikoyi; and Elizabeth Adebiyi(1,000 shares) of 3, Adedoyin Street, Ijeshatedo, Surulere.
Ezekwe’s accounts have been defrozen by the EFCC since the slush funds were not traced to him.
Ezekwe has also been removed as the company’s director.
A document, which The Nation stumbled on, said: “To set the stage for the use of the company for money laundering, the board of directors on May 7, 2012 passed a resolution that the company should open an account and appointed Mr. Gbolahan Obanikoro, Ikenna Ezekwe, Ms. Theresa Matuluko (Secretary) and Mr. Babajide Obanikoro as the signatories to the account.
“The board added that the signing combination be that any of the signatories can sign alone.”
According to EFCC, when it was time to illegally draw the N4.745billion from ONSA as war chest for Ekiti Governorship poll, ex-Minister Obanikoro made the account of Sylvan Mcnamara Limited available and coordinated the disbursement.