Connect with us

News

“I Was Investigated For Being Privy To Illicit Transfer Of Funds,” — Obanikoro Admits

Published

on

A former Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, today  admitted before a Federal High Court in Lagos that he was investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for being privy to illicit transfer of funds. Musiliu Obanikoro Obanikoro made the statement while giving evidence in the criminal trial of the immediate-past Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, facing charges of an alleged N6.9billion fraud. Fayose was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Oct. 22, 2018, alongside a company, Spotless Investment Ltd, on 11 counts. He, had pleaded not guilty to the charge, and the court had granted him bail in the sum of N50million, with one surety in like sum. Trial had commenced on Nov. 19, 2018, with the EFCC calling four witnesses, while the court had then adjourned for continuation of trial. On Tuesday, Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) appeared for the EFCC, while Messrs Ola Olanipekun (SAN) and Olalekan Ojo (SAN) represented the first and second defendants, respectively. Obanikoro, the fifth prosecution witness, who began his evidence on Jan. 21, and was cross-examined on Feb. 4, mounted the witness box in continuation of his cross-examination. Under cross-examination by the second defence counsel, Mr Olalekan Ojo (SAN), Obanikoro told the court that during his tenure as a Commissioner in Lagos in charge of Home Affairs and Culture, he had interfaced with various security agencies in the discharge of his duties. According to him, he had sourced for a security outfit known as Silva Mcnamara, owned by one Kareem Taiwo, to the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), when the need arose to provide for security operations in Lagos State. He said that the outfit performed credibly and did a good job. Ojo then asked the witness, “you said Kareem Taiwo did a good job,’’ witness replied “Yes’’. Ojo: “Then are you not surprised that a petition was still written by the NSA against both of you, for having gotten money from the NSA illicitly.’’ Obanikoro replied in the affirmative and added: “And I state that I deserve a medal of honour for the great work I did in securing Lagos State then’’. Ojo: “’Am sure you are aware of the offences you were alleged to have committed, for which you were granted bail by the EFCC,’’ witness replied `Yes’. Defence counsel then asked the witness to tell the court the offence. Obanikoro replied: “It was based on a petition sent by the NSA that about N4.6 billion or thereabout was sent in an account operated by me, without proper documentation’’. Defence counsel: “Will I be right to say that the allegations consisted of fraud’’. Witness: “Until I see it’’. Defence Counsel asked: “Are you still on Administrative bail?’’ Witness replied: “Well, I have not been discharged, to the best of my knowledge’’. Defence counsel: “It was also alleged that there were no approvals for the funds alleged to have been transferred to a number of companies listed in exhibit I, including Silva Mcnamara,’’ the witness replied: “correct’’. Defence counsel: “So I suggest to you that at all material time, you were being investigated to have been privy to the illicit transfer of funds’’. Witness: “Correct’’. Defence counsel: “Till today, the allegation of illicit transfer of funds has not being withdrawn against you by the EFCC’’. Witness: “To the best of my knowledge, you are correct’’. Defence counsel: “Did you produce any document to show the relationship between Kareem and the Office of the NSA, contrary to allegations that the NSA does not know him?’’ The witness replied: “No’’, and added that the Office of the NSA had responsibility for coordination of security across the nation, some of which are clandestine and not documented. On who gave instructions to Diamond Bank for the release of N1.2 billion, Obanikoro replied that “I was the only person that gave instructions to the bank’’. Defence counsel: “Can you tell the court by what means you gave the instruction and to whom?’’ Witness: “Verbally, to the then MD of Diamond Bank, Mr Oti’’. Defence counsel: “Was there any time your verbal instruction was reduced into writing?’’ Witness: “No’’. Defence counsel: “So, I suggest to you that what you are telling this court is that there is no written record for the release of N1.2billion by the bank’’. Witness: “Because of the nature of the job’’. Defence counsel: “Look at exhibit E9 -E11’’ and mention the names of the Directors of Silva Mcnamara’’. Witness : “Ezekwe Ikenna, Oshodi Idowu, and Adebiyi Elizabeth’’. Defence Counsel: “Who owns House 9, Layi Bembem, Parkview. Ikoyi,’’ witness: “That is my house’’. Ojo then said, I suggest to you that Ikenna Ezekwe lived in that house at one time or the other,” Witness: “Correct’’. Subsequently, Ojo sought to tender an extra judicial statement made by the then SA to Obanikoro, Mr Justin Erukaa, and the Prosecutor raised an objection. Following the objection by the prosecution, Justice Mojisola Olatoregun adjourned the case until Feb. 6 by 9: 00 a.m., for counsel to address the court on the admissibility of an extra judicial statement. According to the charge, on June 17, 2014, Fayose and one Agbele were said to have taken possession of the sum of N1.2 billion, for purposes of funding his gubernatorial election campaign in Ekiti State, which sum they reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds. Fayose was alleged to have received a cash payment of the sum of five million dollars, (about N1.8 billion) from the then Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, without going through any financial institution and which sum exceeded the amount allowed by law. He was also alleged to have retained the sum of N300 million in his Zenith Bank account and took control of the aggregate sums of about N622 million which sum he ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds. Fayose was alleged to have procured De Privateer Ltd and Still Earth Ltd, to retain in their Zenith and FCMB accounts, the aggregate sums of N851 million, which they reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds. Besides, the accused was alleged to have used the aggregate sums of about N1.6 billion to acquire properties in Lagos and Abuja, which sums he reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds. The accused was also alleged to have used the sum of N200 million, to acquire a property in Abuja, in the name of his elder sister, Moji Oladeji, which sum he ought to know also forms crime proceeds. The offences contravene the provisions of Sections 15(1), 15 (2), 15 (3), 16(2)(b), 16 (d), and 18 (c) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011.

 

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

IBEDC Celebrates Christmas, Urges Customers to Prioritize Safety and Energy Responsibility

Published

on

IBEDC Celebrates Christmas, Urges Customers to Prioritize Safety and Energy
Responsibility.

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The Management of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) Plc extends heartfelt Christmas greetings to all Christians, esteemed customers, and Nigerians at large.

In a statement, the Managing Director, Engr. Francis Agoha highlighted that the birth of Jesus Christ symbolizes sacrificial love—a virtue that humanity should strive to embody.

Engr. Agoha assured customers that IBEDC has implemented measures to ensure network stability and smooth operations throughout the holiday season. “In anticipation of customer needs during the holidays, we are fully prepared to address faults quickly to minimize disruptions in power supply,” he stated.

He also called on customers to avoid energy theft, including tampering with meters or making illegal connections. “Energy theft is a criminal act that affects service quality for everyone and hampers our collective progress. I encourage customers to report any suspicious activities immediately,” he said.

Additionally, Engr. Agoha warned against tampering with electrical installations due to their severe safety risks, including the potential for injury or fatality. Customers are urged to report any faults, energy theft, or other issues to IBEDC offices or the Customer Care Line: 07001239999.
IBEDC also encourages customers to use its secure and convenient payment platforms to ensure an uninterrupted electricity supply during the holidays.

These platforms include the IBEDCPAY app (available on Android and iOS), Quickteller, Payarena, Jumia, Watu, Buypower, IRecharge, and ATMs. IBEDC offices will be open from 9 am to 3 pm during the holiday to report faults, make inquiries, bill payments, and vending services.
“We sincerely thank our customers for their continued support throughout the year and urge everyone to prioritize safety by avoiding hazardous practices, such as cooking under power lines, drunk driving, etc.,” added Engr. Agoha.

Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year filled with peace, joy, and progress.

Continue Reading

News

Overriding Public Interest: Delta warns against impeding govt projects

Published

on

Overriding Public Interest: Delta warns against impeding govt projects

DAN DENT (ASABA)

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Delta State Government has cautioned citizens against impeding projects meant to serve the general public, saying such actions were illegal and constituted an abuse of the law.

Commissioner for Works, Highways and Urban Roads, Comrade Reuben Izeze (middle)  discussing with the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir. Festus Ahon (right) shortly after Inspecting the maintaininers of Uti Road on Wednesday,  while the Project Manager Mr. Milad Boutros (left) look on. PIX: SAMUEL JIBUNOR.

The State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, gave the warning in Effurun on Wednesday during an inspection of the DSC Roundabout Link Road to PTI Junction.

According to him, “no citizen is bigger than the state; I learnt that a citizen has said a particular portion of the road that has been approved cannot be constructed because that is his private property.

“I want to sound it to our people as a note of warning, that, to impede government project in the name of private property is an abuse of the law.

“If your property is on the right of way and we know it is not a road,  this administration has made it a point of duty to pay compensation for the use of such properties in the overriding public interest.

“This project has an overriding public interest; if your property is in the right of way and your property has approval, the best we can do, as we have always done, is to give you compensation.

“But to say you stop government officials from doing their job because you feel you are bigger than the government or you are bigger than the law is absolutely unacceptable.”

Commissioner for Works, Highways and Urban Roads, Comrade Reuben Izeze (right) taking the measurements of the Rod while the zonal Chief Engineer Uvwie and Opke local government Area, Engr. Kporon Ennah (left) look on. PIX: SAMUELm JIBUNOR.

Speaking further,  he said; “so, we are constructing a drainage that would discharge all the water on this road. If you look at this place, it was originally a swamp.

“Meanwhile, this place had all along been intended to be a road that should take traffic from the East-West Road to reduce the volume of traffic on DSC Roundabout and PTI Junction straight to the Eku highway.

“We have come to see what the contractors are doing and I must express my displeasure at the poor quality of engineering work that I have observed here in this drainage.

“In fact, as things stand, considering the volume of water that will be coming from the Julius Berger projects, the existing volume of water from the swamp.

“What is being done here, therefore, necessitates that this drain be done according to the engineering specifications because the volume of water we will be dealing with is enormous.

“However, on getting down here and measuring the distance between the reinforcements, we discovered that the contractor apparently did not pay attention to details.

“So, I have instructed them to remove everything, start afresh and we will come back. They should not put the reinforcement until I have come to inspect what they have done to be sure that they have complied with the spacing as provided for in the Bills of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation.”

Continue Reading

News

Brutality Victim: Anambra State Executive Council Approves Medical Expenses of Victim

Published

on

Brutality Victim: Anambra State Executive Council Approves Medical Expenses of Victim

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo undertakes the medical expenses of a victim of brutality by some contractors of the Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA), Mr. Okechukwu Akaneme.

The governor took this humanitarian decision to relieve the victim while strongly denouncing such despicable conduct. In addition to the governor’s gesture, the contractor has been relieved of his engagement with the state agency (ASWAMA) immediately, to serve as a deterrent to others.

In a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, the victim who was assaulted is being hospitalised.

The Council has resolved to pick up his medical overheads, while sympathising with Akaneme ‘s family and prays for his quick recovery.

This profound empathy reflects Soludo’s sincere dedication to offering not just solutions but also a genuine commitment to providing helping hands, support, and hope to the people whenever and wherever required in the state.

                                                                    END

 Press Release

Anambra State Executive Council Awards More Road Contracts

The 37th Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) has awarded the contracts for the construction of new roads in the state in preparation for the yuletide season.

 This is aimed at ensuring a memorable Christmas for Ndi Anambra, who will be celebrating the season in the state, from across the country and other parts of the globe.

In a release by the Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, ANSEC at its 37th Meeting, approved the construction of the 3.75 km Igwe Orizu Road, in Nnewi, to New Idea Construction Company Ltd, and to be completed within six months.

The 10.8 km Nkwor Nnewi to Nkwor Oraifite was awarded to Infratech Construction Ltd at N7.2 billion, with a 12-month completion timeline, while the Oraukwu-Abatete-Nimo bypass in Idemili North measuring 4.922km was awarded to GMG Global Construction and Development Company Ltd, with a delivery date of six months.

At the meeting, the Council observed that many roads awarded at the last executive council meeting, including the New Tarzan Road and the three roads whose contracts were revoked and re-awarded, have not been reported.

Recently, Governor Soludo kept his promise with the completion of the 12.5km Ezira-Umuomaku-Enugu Umuonyia-Achina Road, linking several communities, and the 11.9km Mmiata-Anam-Nzam road, linking the headquarters of Anambra West Local Government Area (LGA).

With the ongoing and completed road projects in the state, Governor Soludo has literally turned Anambra into a construction site in his pursuit of transforming the state into a country-wide destination brand.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2021 All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from August24news.com
This Website is designed and Managed by: August 24 Communications Nigerian Limited (RC: 798585)