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$2.1b Arms Fraud: EFCC Seizes Moroophat, Obanikoro's Wife Gigantic Abuja Mansion

$2.1b Arms Fraud: EFCC Seizes Moroophat, Obanikoro's Wife Gigantic Abuja Mansion

EFCC Seizes Moroophat, Obanikoro's Wife Gigantic Abuja Mansion
A Federal Capital Territory High Court, sitting in Jabi, Abuja, has ordered that Alhaja Moroophat Obanikoro, the wife of a former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, should forfeit her property pending the outcome of investigations into her husband and children.

The court also rejected a prayer asking the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to pay her the sum of N200m for violating her fundamental human rights.

Obanikoro’s wife has, however, headed for the Appeal Court to challenge the court judgment.


As part of investigations into the $2.1bn arms scam, involving the Office of the National Security Adviser, the EFCC had traced the transfer of about N4.7bn to the Diamond Bank account of Sylvan McNamara, a company allegedly owned by Obanikoro’s two sons – Gbolahan and Babajide.

Out of the N4.7bn, Obanikoro allegedly gave N3.880bn to Ayodele Fayose and Senator Iyiola Omisore in July 2014, when they were the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidates in Ekiti and Osun states respectively.

Part of the money allegedly given to Fayose was said to have been converted to $5.377m and handed to him at Spotless Hotel, Ado-Ekiti, in the presence of the then Ekiti State PDP Secretary, Tope Aluko, and other party stalwarts.

Obanikoro allegedly kept over N600m to himself.

The EFCC subsequently seized a house in the Ikoyi area of Lagos State allegedly belonging to Obanikoro’s sons – Gbolahan and Babajide – and a property located at 44 Mamman Kotangora Crescent, Katampke Extension, Abuja, belonging to their mother.

However, Obanikoro’s wife argued that she bought the property over seven years before the alleged arms scam took place.

She said the EFCC had no right to punish her for any crime allegedly committed by her husband and urged the court to award her N200m.

Obanikoro’s wife demanded “an order setting aside the sealing of the property; an order directing the EFCC to tender an unreserved public apology for the unlawful and unconditional invasion of the aforesaid property and the sum of N200,000,000 as general damages for the unlawful and unconstitutional invasion of the property.”

In an affidavit, deposed to by one Jackson Edet, the EFCC claimed that Obanikoro’s wife could not claim to be ignorant of her husband’s alleged crime.

The commission said Moroophat’s husband and her sons collected over N600m from the ONSA for a non-existent contract.

The EFCC argued that investigation had shown that, “the property belongs to Musiliu Obanikoro and he paid for the statutory charges for the property.”

The commission added, “That a lawyer, Tejumola Adeboye, who volunteered a statement to the commission, stated that he managed the said property and remits the rent to MON Integrated Services (a company allegedly owned by Obanikoro, which is also under probe).”

In his ruling, the Justice Y. Halilu said he could not stop the EFCC from doing its work, adding that all Nigerians must unite in the fight against corruption.

He added, “I shall refuse the application because it is most unmeritorious and specially packaged to deceive this court. God forbid.”

Excerpted from Punch Newspaper
EFCC Seizes Moroophat, Obanikoro's Wife Gigantic Abuja Mansion
A Federal Capital Territory High Court, sitting in Jabi, Abuja, has ordered that Alhaja Moroophat Obanikoro, the wife of a former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, should forfeit her property pending the outcome of investigations into her husband and children.

The court also rejected a prayer asking the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to pay her the sum of N200m for violating her fundamental human rights.

Obanikoro’s wife has, however, headed for the Appeal Court to challenge the court judgment.


As part of investigations into the $2.1bn arms scam, involving the Office of the National Security Adviser, the EFCC had traced the transfer of about N4.7bn to the Diamond Bank account of Sylvan McNamara, a company allegedly owned by Obanikoro’s two sons – Gbolahan and Babajide.

Out of the N4.7bn, Obanikoro allegedly gave N3.880bn to Ayodele Fayose and Senator Iyiola Omisore in July 2014, when they were the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidates in Ekiti and Osun states respectively.

Part of the money allegedly given to Fayose was said to have been converted to $5.377m and handed to him at Spotless Hotel, Ado-Ekiti, in the presence of the then Ekiti State PDP Secretary, Tope Aluko, and other party stalwarts.

Obanikoro allegedly kept over N600m to himself.

The EFCC subsequently seized a house in the Ikoyi area of Lagos State allegedly belonging to Obanikoro’s sons – Gbolahan and Babajide – and a property located at 44 Mamman Kotangora Crescent, Katampke Extension, Abuja, belonging to their mother.

However, Obanikoro’s wife argued that she bought the property over seven years before the alleged arms scam took place.

She said the EFCC had no right to punish her for any crime allegedly committed by her husband and urged the court to award her N200m.

Obanikoro’s wife demanded “an order setting aside the sealing of the property; an order directing the EFCC to tender an unreserved public apology for the unlawful and unconditional invasion of the aforesaid property and the sum of N200,000,000 as general damages for the unlawful and unconstitutional invasion of the property.”

In an affidavit, deposed to by one Jackson Edet, the EFCC claimed that Obanikoro’s wife could not claim to be ignorant of her husband’s alleged crime.

The commission said Moroophat’s husband and her sons collected over N600m from the ONSA for a non-existent contract.

The EFCC argued that investigation had shown that, “the property belongs to Musiliu Obanikoro and he paid for the statutory charges for the property.”

The commission added, “That a lawyer, Tejumola Adeboye, who volunteered a statement to the commission, stated that he managed the said property and remits the rent to MON Integrated Services (a company allegedly owned by Obanikoro, which is also under probe).”

In his ruling, the Justice Y. Halilu said he could not stop the EFCC from doing its work, adding that all Nigerians must unite in the fight against corruption.

He added, “I shall refuse the application because it is most unmeritorious and specially packaged to deceive this court. God forbid.”

Excerpted from Punch Newspaper

See Photo of 'Happily Corrupt' Nigerian VIPs At Prison; Where Lies Their Sense Of Morality, Integrity?

See Photo of 'Happily Corrupt' Nigerian VIPs At Prison; Where Lies Their Sense Of Morality, Integrity?

Abati, Obanikoro, FFK, others pose for photo in EFCC custody
From left: Former FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, former spokesman to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan,
Reuben Abati;  former Minister of State for Defense, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, former minister and
spokesperson to Goodluck Jonathan Presidential Campaign, Femi Fani-Kayode and Bashir Ushaq
Bashir while they were in EFCC detention in November 2016.
Photo Credit: Punch Newspaper
When has being in prison for corruption or theft become a thing to be cheerful about?

This cheerful looking photograph of a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Bala Mohammed; former Special Adviser to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Media, Reuben Abati; ex-Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro; former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode; and a Peoples Democratic Party leader in Kano, Bashir Ishaq Bashir, when they were in detention at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. 


Of course, they are not freedom fight, neither are they nationalists, but they are Very Important Personality once in the corridor of power accused of money laundering and other financial crimes looking happy.

Where lies their sense of morality.
Abati, Obanikoro, FFK, others pose for photo in EFCC custody
From left: Former FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, former spokesman to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan,
Reuben Abati;  former Minister of State for Defense, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, former minister and
spokesperson to Goodluck Jonathan Presidential Campaign, Femi Fani-Kayode and Bashir Ushaq
Bashir while they were in EFCC detention in November 2016.
Photo Credit: Punch Newspaper
When has being in prison for corruption or theft become a thing to be cheerful about?

This cheerful looking photograph of a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Bala Mohammed; former Special Adviser to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Media, Reuben Abati; ex-Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro; former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode; and a Peoples Democratic Party leader in Kano, Bashir Ishaq Bashir, when they were in detention at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. 


Of course, they are not freedom fight, neither are they nationalists, but they are Very Important Personality once in the corridor of power accused of money laundering and other financial crimes looking happy.

Where lies their sense of morality.

SHOCKER: Obanikoro 'REARRESTED', Implicated In Fresh N450m Ex-President Jonathan Poll Fraud

SHOCKER: Obanikoro 'REARRESTED', Implicated In Fresh N450m Ex-President Jonathan Poll Fraud

There may not be end in sight so soonto many troubles bedeviling a former Minister of State for Defense, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Wednesday brought him back to its custody and quizzed him for several hours over fresh allegation of receipt of N450m from the Coordinator of the Goodluck Jonathan Campaign Organisation in Lagos State, Adewale Onilere, during the countdown to the 2015 presidential election.

According to Punch Newspaper, the N450m was part of the N23bn ($115m) allegedly disbursed to the leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 36 states of the federation by a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

An EFCC source revealed that Onilere, who is the Chairman of the PDP in the Somolu Local Government Area, received N650m from the campaign organisation out of which N450m was given to Obanikoro.

He said, “Onilere received N650m and then delivered N450m to Obanikoro at his house. Onilere gave Obanikoro the money in the presence of some PDP leaders.

 “So, on Wednesday, we invited Obanikoro to tell his side of the story. However, Obanikoro denied receiving any money from Onilere.

“Since Obanikoro is currently on administrative bail, we let him go. However, we have invited Obanikoro and Onilere to come to our office in two weeks’ time to face each other. Surely, we will get to the bottom of this.”

In a terse text message, however, Onilere denied handling stolen funds.

“It is certainly false and I know nothing about it. Thanks,” he said.

Obanikoro and his two sons, Babajide and Gbolahan, are currently under a separate investigation involving N4.7bn which was allegedly diverted from the Office of the National Security Adviser.

The ONSA, under the leadership of the then National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), was alleged to have paid N4.7bn into the bank account of a company, Sylvan McNamara, in which Obanikoro’s sons were directors.

Obanikoro had said in his statement on oath at the EFCC that after receiving the money in June 2014, he gave N1.219bn to the then governorship candidate of the PDP in Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose; while N1.3bn was given to the PDP candidate in Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore.

He also confessed to giving Fayose a separate $5.377m at Spotless Hotel in Ekiti State in the presence of party stalwarts including the then Ekiti State PDP Secretary, Mr. Tope Aluko.

Obanikoro was said to have kept about N785m for himself, which he allegedly spent while campaigning ahead of the PDP governorship primary in Lagos State, which Mr. Jimi Agbaje won.

However, the EFCC asked him to return about N584m of which he has already returned N137m.
There may not be end in sight so soonto many troubles bedeviling a former Minister of State for Defense, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Wednesday brought him back to its custody and quizzed him for several hours over fresh allegation of receipt of N450m from the Coordinator of the Goodluck Jonathan Campaign Organisation in Lagos State, Adewale Onilere, during the countdown to the 2015 presidential election.

According to Punch Newspaper, the N450m was part of the N23bn ($115m) allegedly disbursed to the leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 36 states of the federation by a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

An EFCC source revealed that Onilere, who is the Chairman of the PDP in the Somolu Local Government Area, received N650m from the campaign organisation out of which N450m was given to Obanikoro.

He said, “Onilere received N650m and then delivered N450m to Obanikoro at his house. Onilere gave Obanikoro the money in the presence of some PDP leaders.

 “So, on Wednesday, we invited Obanikoro to tell his side of the story. However, Obanikoro denied receiving any money from Onilere.

“Since Obanikoro is currently on administrative bail, we let him go. However, we have invited Obanikoro and Onilere to come to our office in two weeks’ time to face each other. Surely, we will get to the bottom of this.”

In a terse text message, however, Onilere denied handling stolen funds.

“It is certainly false and I know nothing about it. Thanks,” he said.

Obanikoro and his two sons, Babajide and Gbolahan, are currently under a separate investigation involving N4.7bn which was allegedly diverted from the Office of the National Security Adviser.

The ONSA, under the leadership of the then National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), was alleged to have paid N4.7bn into the bank account of a company, Sylvan McNamara, in which Obanikoro’s sons were directors.

Obanikoro had said in his statement on oath at the EFCC that after receiving the money in June 2014, he gave N1.219bn to the then governorship candidate of the PDP in Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose; while N1.3bn was given to the PDP candidate in Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore.

He also confessed to giving Fayose a separate $5.377m at Spotless Hotel in Ekiti State in the presence of party stalwarts including the then Ekiti State PDP Secretary, Mr. Tope Aluko.

Obanikoro was said to have kept about N785m for himself, which he allegedly spent while campaigning ahead of the PDP governorship primary in Lagos State, which Mr. Jimi Agbaje won.

However, the EFCC asked him to return about N584m of which he has already returned N137m.

$2.1b Scam: Jonathan, Ex-Ministers 'Fight' Dirty; An Ex-Minister Shed Tears, Says GEJ Abandoned Them To Buhari's 'Claws'

$2.1b Scam: Jonathan, Ex-Ministers 'Fight' Dirty; An Ex-Minister Shed Tears, Says GEJ Abandoned Them To Buhari's 'Claws'

Godluck Jonathan
The Nation - Former President Goodluck Jonathan is pitted in cold war with some of his ex-ministers who are on trial over the $2.1 billion arms scandal, N23.29 poll cash and other financial frauds.

Some of the ex-ministers are said to be angry with Jonathan for allegedly abandoning them after they were arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

They are also shocked that the ex-President neither assisted nor hired lawyers for them.


They want Jonathan to own up on the disbursement of the funds and open talks with his successor, President Muhammadu Buhari, on plea bargain.

But the ex-President is said to be shocked by revelations from the EFCC concerning some of the ex-ministers.

It was learnt that Jonathan wants the ongoing investigation and trial to run its full course.

An investigation conducted by our correspondent indicated that all is not well between Jonathan and his ex-ministers.

The cold war has worsened to the point that when Jonathan met some of the former ministers, he did not ask them why they were arrested or treated the way the EFCC has done.

One of the ex-ministers was said to be close to tears when Jonathan exchanged pleasantries with him without a mention of his ordeal in EFCC’s custody.

The overwhelmed ex-minister had always claimed that he “ran errands for Jonathan on the slush funds traced to him.”

A reliable source said: “Our camp has broken into two. The ex-President is on one side and the embattled ex-ministers is on the other.

“The cold war is a result of the ongoing arrest and trial of some former ministers and aides of Jonathan.

“Some of the ex-ministers and aides are angry that Jonathan was not owning up or rising in their defence over the allegations levelled against them.

“Some of them are feeling bad that Jonathan has neither hired lawyers to defend them nor met with President Muhammadu Buhari for plea bargain on some cases.

“A few others accuse him of not taking care of their families while they were in detention.”

Responding to a question, the source said: “I remember during one of our meetings, Governor Nyesom Wike spoke with anger on how some of us also betrayed Jonathan.

“The situation has degenerated to the extent that most of the former PDP governors do not visit Jonathan anymore.”

A former minister, who spoke in confidence, said some of the embattled ministers were being unrealistic.

The source said: ”These ex-ministers cannot blame Jonathan for their travails at all.

“The ex-President was just hearing of some of these huge sums for the first time. Some of these funds were released under the guise of security votes without his approval.

He has been devastated on the allegations against some ex-ministers.

“In some cases, withdrawals and disbursements from the treasury exceeded his approval.

“It will be extremely difficult for the ex-President to own up to everything.

“Even some ex-ministers from the North were alleged to have diverted some of these funds to either personal use or to mobilize their supporters against Jonathan during the 2015 poll.”

On legal representation, the source added: “At a point, Jonathan assembled a team of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) to defend some of these ex-ministers and aides, but the legal team presented a bill running into billions of naira, which he said he could not afford. He had to abandon the plan.

“We have asked our colleagues to be considerate too. Jonathan is having his own share of the probe. Apart from his wife being investigated, his cousin and some of his associates are also on trial. This is enough an emotional burden to him.

“Despite the tightening of investigation noose around him, Jonathan came out recently to raise issues on the trial of Dasuki for the $2.1 billion arms scandal.

Some of the ex-ministers and aides under investigation are ex-NSA Sambo Dasuki; Nurudeen Mohammed; Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro; Bashir Yuguda; former Minister of Power, Mohammed Wakil; Bala Mohammed; Diezani Alison-Madueke; Oloye Jumoke Akinjide; Prof. Viola Onwuliri; ex-Minister Nenadi Usman; ex-Minister Senator Joel Ikenya.

As for Obanikoro, he was given  billions for Operation Capture Lagos and N1.2 billion reimbursement expenses after stepping down for the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, during the 2015 general election.

A reliable source said: “The former Minister is under fresh probe on some cash advanced to him personally by ONSA and the presidency for the 2015 poll.

“These funds include alleged N3.5 billion for Operation Capture Lagos and a personal loss reimbursement of N1.2 billion.

“After Agbaje became the governorship candidate, Obanikoro was not only returned as a minister, his expenses during primaries, amounting to about N1.2 billion, were refunded to him.

“He personally submitted the bill and he was reimbursed by the presidency. All the key actors who knew about the reimbursement are still alive.

“We are investigating him on this N4.7 billion. If he has no case to answer on poll funds, we will leave him. But if there is a prima facie case, he will face a separate trial.”

In an earlier case, about N4.685 billon was allegedly transferred by the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA) to Sylvan McNamara Limited, a company linked with a former Minister of State for Defence, Mr. Musiliu Obanikoro.

Out of the sum, about N3.880 billion was allegedly transferred to both Governor Ayodele Fayose and Senator Iyiola Omisore through cash and bank transfers by Obanikoro.

The former minister was asked by the EFCC to account for the balance, which the ex-Minister claimed was spent on a campaign against Boko Haram in the South-West.

After weeks in detention, Obanikoro refunded N100.4 million to the EFCC with an undertaking for the return of about N480 million.


Godluck Jonathan
The Nation - Former President Goodluck Jonathan is pitted in cold war with some of his ex-ministers who are on trial over the $2.1 billion arms scandal, N23.29 poll cash and other financial frauds.

Some of the ex-ministers are said to be angry with Jonathan for allegedly abandoning them after they were arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

They are also shocked that the ex-President neither assisted nor hired lawyers for them.


They want Jonathan to own up on the disbursement of the funds and open talks with his successor, President Muhammadu Buhari, on plea bargain.

But the ex-President is said to be shocked by revelations from the EFCC concerning some of the ex-ministers.

It was learnt that Jonathan wants the ongoing investigation and trial to run its full course.

An investigation conducted by our correspondent indicated that all is not well between Jonathan and his ex-ministers.

The cold war has worsened to the point that when Jonathan met some of the former ministers, he did not ask them why they were arrested or treated the way the EFCC has done.

One of the ex-ministers was said to be close to tears when Jonathan exchanged pleasantries with him without a mention of his ordeal in EFCC’s custody.

The overwhelmed ex-minister had always claimed that he “ran errands for Jonathan on the slush funds traced to him.”

A reliable source said: “Our camp has broken into two. The ex-President is on one side and the embattled ex-ministers is on the other.

“The cold war is a result of the ongoing arrest and trial of some former ministers and aides of Jonathan.

“Some of the ex-ministers and aides are angry that Jonathan was not owning up or rising in their defence over the allegations levelled against them.

“Some of them are feeling bad that Jonathan has neither hired lawyers to defend them nor met with President Muhammadu Buhari for plea bargain on some cases.

“A few others accuse him of not taking care of their families while they were in detention.”

Responding to a question, the source said: “I remember during one of our meetings, Governor Nyesom Wike spoke with anger on how some of us also betrayed Jonathan.

“The situation has degenerated to the extent that most of the former PDP governors do not visit Jonathan anymore.”

A former minister, who spoke in confidence, said some of the embattled ministers were being unrealistic.

The source said: ”These ex-ministers cannot blame Jonathan for their travails at all.

“The ex-President was just hearing of some of these huge sums for the first time. Some of these funds were released under the guise of security votes without his approval.

He has been devastated on the allegations against some ex-ministers.

“In some cases, withdrawals and disbursements from the treasury exceeded his approval.

“It will be extremely difficult for the ex-President to own up to everything.

“Even some ex-ministers from the North were alleged to have diverted some of these funds to either personal use or to mobilize their supporters against Jonathan during the 2015 poll.”

On legal representation, the source added: “At a point, Jonathan assembled a team of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) to defend some of these ex-ministers and aides, but the legal team presented a bill running into billions of naira, which he said he could not afford. He had to abandon the plan.

“We have asked our colleagues to be considerate too. Jonathan is having his own share of the probe. Apart from his wife being investigated, his cousin and some of his associates are also on trial. This is enough an emotional burden to him.

“Despite the tightening of investigation noose around him, Jonathan came out recently to raise issues on the trial of Dasuki for the $2.1 billion arms scandal.

Some of the ex-ministers and aides under investigation are ex-NSA Sambo Dasuki; Nurudeen Mohammed; Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro; Bashir Yuguda; former Minister of Power, Mohammed Wakil; Bala Mohammed; Diezani Alison-Madueke; Oloye Jumoke Akinjide; Prof. Viola Onwuliri; ex-Minister Nenadi Usman; ex-Minister Senator Joel Ikenya.

As for Obanikoro, he was given  billions for Operation Capture Lagos and N1.2 billion reimbursement expenses after stepping down for the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, during the 2015 general election.

A reliable source said: “The former Minister is under fresh probe on some cash advanced to him personally by ONSA and the presidency for the 2015 poll.

“These funds include alleged N3.5 billion for Operation Capture Lagos and a personal loss reimbursement of N1.2 billion.

“After Agbaje became the governorship candidate, Obanikoro was not only returned as a minister, his expenses during primaries, amounting to about N1.2 billion, were refunded to him.

“He personally submitted the bill and he was reimbursed by the presidency. All the key actors who knew about the reimbursement are still alive.

“We are investigating him on this N4.7 billion. If he has no case to answer on poll funds, we will leave him. But if there is a prima facie case, he will face a separate trial.”

In an earlier case, about N4.685 billon was allegedly transferred by the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA) to Sylvan McNamara Limited, a company linked with a former Minister of State for Defence, Mr. Musiliu Obanikoro.

Out of the sum, about N3.880 billion was allegedly transferred to both Governor Ayodele Fayose and Senator Iyiola Omisore through cash and bank transfers by Obanikoro.

The former minister was asked by the EFCC to account for the balance, which the ex-Minister claimed was spent on a campaign against Boko Haram in the South-West.

After weeks in detention, Obanikoro refunded N100.4 million to the EFCC with an undertaking for the return of about N480 million.


Obanikoro In Fresh EFCC Trouble Over Another N400m Slush Fund Linked To Diezani

Obanikoro In Fresh EFCC Trouble Over Another N400m Slush Fund Linked To Diezani

Obanikoro In Fresh EFCC Trouble Over Another N400m Slush Fund Liked To Diezani
Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, a former Minister of State for Defence,  has been linked in a fresh N400m scam, News Punch has learned

According to Punch Newspaper, impeccable sources in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission revealed on Sunday that Obanikoro, who was released last Friday, might be invited again soon to explain his alleged role in the scam.

The ex-minister, who returned from the United States on October 17, spent three weeks at the Abuja office of the EFCC for allegedly receiving N4.7bn from the Office of the National Security Adviser and distributing over N3bn to Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State and Senator Iyiola Omisore, who were the governorship candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ekiti and Osun states respectively in 2014.


Obanikoro subsequently returned N100m to the EFCC with a promise to return another N480m.

His American and Nigerian passports were subsequently seized before his release last Friday.

An EFCC detective on Sunday told Punch Newspaper correspondent that recent investigations showed that Obanikoro allegedly received N400m from a former Minister of Finance, Senator Nenadi Usman, who was the Director of Finance of the Goodluck Jonathan Campaign Organisation during the build-up to the 2015 elections.

The source said sometime in 2015, Usman sent the money to Obanikoro through a proxy.

The detective said, “As part of investigations into the billions disbursed by Nenadi Usman during the build-up to the 2015 elections, we interrogated a suspect at our office. The suspect told us that he handed over N400m to Obanikoro in the presence of some PDP members.

“So, Obanikoro will be invited to the Lagos office of the EFCC to tell his own side of the story.”

The EFCC had alleged in March that about N3.145bn was mysteriously transferred from the account of the ONSA, domiciled in the Central Bank of Nigeria, to the account of Joint Trust Dimensions Limited, a company allegedly owned by Usman.

Usman was said to have transferred N840m to the account of the Director of Publicity of the organisation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, in Zenith Bank on February 19, 2015, while she allegedly gave a former finance minister, Chief Olu Falae, N100m on the instruction of a PDP stalwart, Chief Anthony Anenih.

A former Governor of Imo State, Achike Udenwa, and a former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Viola Onwuliri, according to the documents, got N350m in two tranches.

The first tranche of N150m was allegedly paid into their joint account with Zenith Bank on January 13, 2015. The second tranche of N200m was credited into their account with Diamond bank.

Usman and Fani-Kayode have since been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos and their accounts frozen while Udenwa and Falae may be arraigned soon.

Apart from the ONSA fund, Usman allegedly disbursed a separate N23bn to various states during the build-up to the elections.

The money Usman disbursed allegedly emanated from a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

The money, which was $115m but converted to N23bn, was alleged to have been kickbacks from some dubious oil contractors involved in oil theft.

The EFCC has, so far, grilled about 16 former governors and ministers over the alleged N23bn Diezani sleaze.

Some of them include the immediate past Governor of Kebbi State, Saidu Dakin Garin; former Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State; former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau of Kano State; former Governor Ali Modu Sheriff of Borno State; former Governor James Ngilari of Adamawa State; and a former Governor of Zamfara State, Mamuda Shinkafi.

Among the others are a former Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke; a former Minister of State for FCT, Jumoke Akinjide; and a former Minister of State for Finance, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda.

During the elections, each state was said to have received at least N450m from the fund, which was handled by ministers or governors, who were members of the PDP.

All attempts to speak with Obanikoro’s media aide, Jonathan Eze, proved abortive on Sunday

as his phone indicated that it was switched off.

A source close to Obanikoro, however, told our correspondent that the ex-minister was not in charge of former President’s Goodluck Jonathan’s Lagos campaign and therefore could not have received such money.

He said, “I am aware that the EFCC has interrogated the person who collected money for the Jonathan campaign organisation. However, Senator Obanikoro never collected N400m from him.

“Those who collected money at Federal Palace Hotel know themselves and they should please leave Senator Obanikoro out of it.” 

Excerpts from Punch Newspaper used in this article

Obanikoro In Fresh EFCC Trouble Over Another N400m Slush Fund Liked To Diezani
Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, a former Minister of State for Defence,  has been linked in a fresh N400m scam, News Punch has learned

According to Punch Newspaper, impeccable sources in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission revealed on Sunday that Obanikoro, who was released last Friday, might be invited again soon to explain his alleged role in the scam.

The ex-minister, who returned from the United States on October 17, spent three weeks at the Abuja office of the EFCC for allegedly receiving N4.7bn from the Office of the National Security Adviser and distributing over N3bn to Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State and Senator Iyiola Omisore, who were the governorship candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ekiti and Osun states respectively in 2014.


Obanikoro subsequently returned N100m to the EFCC with a promise to return another N480m.

His American and Nigerian passports were subsequently seized before his release last Friday.

An EFCC detective on Sunday told Punch Newspaper correspondent that recent investigations showed that Obanikoro allegedly received N400m from a former Minister of Finance, Senator Nenadi Usman, who was the Director of Finance of the Goodluck Jonathan Campaign Organisation during the build-up to the 2015 elections.

The source said sometime in 2015, Usman sent the money to Obanikoro through a proxy.

The detective said, “As part of investigations into the billions disbursed by Nenadi Usman during the build-up to the 2015 elections, we interrogated a suspect at our office. The suspect told us that he handed over N400m to Obanikoro in the presence of some PDP members.

“So, Obanikoro will be invited to the Lagos office of the EFCC to tell his own side of the story.”

The EFCC had alleged in March that about N3.145bn was mysteriously transferred from the account of the ONSA, domiciled in the Central Bank of Nigeria, to the account of Joint Trust Dimensions Limited, a company allegedly owned by Usman.

Usman was said to have transferred N840m to the account of the Director of Publicity of the organisation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, in Zenith Bank on February 19, 2015, while she allegedly gave a former finance minister, Chief Olu Falae, N100m on the instruction of a PDP stalwart, Chief Anthony Anenih.

A former Governor of Imo State, Achike Udenwa, and a former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Viola Onwuliri, according to the documents, got N350m in two tranches.

The first tranche of N150m was allegedly paid into their joint account with Zenith Bank on January 13, 2015. The second tranche of N200m was credited into their account with Diamond bank.

Usman and Fani-Kayode have since been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos and their accounts frozen while Udenwa and Falae may be arraigned soon.

Apart from the ONSA fund, Usman allegedly disbursed a separate N23bn to various states during the build-up to the elections.

The money Usman disbursed allegedly emanated from a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

The money, which was $115m but converted to N23bn, was alleged to have been kickbacks from some dubious oil contractors involved in oil theft.

The EFCC has, so far, grilled about 16 former governors and ministers over the alleged N23bn Diezani sleaze.

Some of them include the immediate past Governor of Kebbi State, Saidu Dakin Garin; former Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State; former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau of Kano State; former Governor Ali Modu Sheriff of Borno State; former Governor James Ngilari of Adamawa State; and a former Governor of Zamfara State, Mamuda Shinkafi.

Among the others are a former Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke; a former Minister of State for FCT, Jumoke Akinjide; and a former Minister of State for Finance, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda.

During the elections, each state was said to have received at least N450m from the fund, which was handled by ministers or governors, who were members of the PDP.

All attempts to speak with Obanikoro’s media aide, Jonathan Eze, proved abortive on Sunday

as his phone indicated that it was switched off.

A source close to Obanikoro, however, told our correspondent that the ex-minister was not in charge of former President’s Goodluck Jonathan’s Lagos campaign and therefore could not have received such money.

He said, “I am aware that the EFCC has interrogated the person who collected money for the Jonathan campaign organisation. However, Senator Obanikoro never collected N400m from him.

“Those who collected money at Federal Palace Hotel know themselves and they should please leave Senator Obanikoro out of it.” 

Excerpts from Punch Newspaper used in this article

Also, The EFCC Releases Reuben Abati

Also, The EFCC Releases Reuben Abati

Reuben abati
Barely 24 hours after it released former Minister of State for Defense, Musiliu Obanikoro, the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC has also released a former Spokesman to immediate past President, Reuben Abati.

The anti-graft agency had arrested the columnist few weeks ago  for alleged benefiting from funds misappropriated by the Office of the former National Security Adviser, ONSA.


Abati was accused of receiving N50m, an amount he claimed was disbursed to media practitioners  during the 2015 Presidential election.

EFCC had earlier granted Abati bail after asking him to drop his International Passport and produce a surety of not below level 16 in the Civil Service as part of the conditions for his release.

Reuben abati
Barely 24 hours after it released former Minister of State for Defense, Musiliu Obanikoro, the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC has also released a former Spokesman to immediate past President, Reuben Abati.

The anti-graft agency had arrested the columnist few weeks ago  for alleged benefiting from funds misappropriated by the Office of the former National Security Adviser, ONSA.


Abati was accused of receiving N50m, an amount he claimed was disbursed to media practitioners  during the 2015 Presidential election.

EFCC had earlier granted Abati bail after asking him to drop his International Passport and produce a surety of not below level 16 in the Civil Service as part of the conditions for his release.

At Last, Obanikoro FREED

At Last, Obanikoro FREED

Musiliu obanikoro
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has finally released Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, a former Minister of State for Defence News Punch understands reliably

Mr. Obanikoro’s associate, Demola Olarewaju, also confirmed the development, report according to Premium Times says

The Punch newspaper reported that Mr. Obanikoro was released at about 5p.m. Friday. He immediately left for his residence, the paper said.

Mr. Obanikoro was detained on October 17 after returning from the United States to submit himself to the EFCC on fraud allegations.

Mr. Obanikoro paid N100 million to the commission out of the over N800 million of public funds he was accused of spending, our source says


The source said the former minister’s passports were confiscated.

“Well, we have presented all the guarantors and perfected his bail conditions, so the passports seizure shouldn’t be a big deal,” Mr. Onoja said. “If he intends to travel, he will apply for it and they will return them back to him.”

Mr. Obanikoro was joined in the custody by other officials of the Goodluck Jonathan administration.
A former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, is still being detained at the headquarters of the anti-graft office, as well as former presidential spokesperson, Reuben Abati, and a former FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed.

They face various allegations of financial wrongdoing.

Musiliu obanikoro
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has finally released Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, a former Minister of State for Defence News Punch understands reliably

Mr. Obanikoro’s associate, Demola Olarewaju, also confirmed the development, report according to Premium Times says

The Punch newspaper reported that Mr. Obanikoro was released at about 5p.m. Friday. He immediately left for his residence, the paper said.

Mr. Obanikoro was detained on October 17 after returning from the United States to submit himself to the EFCC on fraud allegations.

Mr. Obanikoro paid N100 million to the commission out of the over N800 million of public funds he was accused of spending, our source says


The source said the former minister’s passports were confiscated.

“Well, we have presented all the guarantors and perfected his bail conditions, so the passports seizure shouldn’t be a big deal,” Mr. Onoja said. “If he intends to travel, he will apply for it and they will return them back to him.”

Mr. Obanikoro was joined in the custody by other officials of the Goodluck Jonathan administration.
A former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, is still being detained at the headquarters of the anti-graft office, as well as former presidential spokesperson, Reuben Abati, and a former FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed.

They face various allegations of financial wrongdoing.

Obanikoro Surrenders All; N480m Undertaking, Dual Passports, Bullets Proof Cars, Others In Exchange For Freedom

Obanikoro Surrenders All; N480m Undertaking, Dual Passports, Bullets Proof Cars, Others In Exchange For Freedom

Obanikoro
The embattled former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro has reportedly aggreed to surrendered all he had illicitly acquired from the slush fund poparly known as Dasukigate.

A fresh report according to Punch Newspaper suggests that the minister has signed an undertaking to return N480m to the Federal Government.

Other properties forfeited by Obanikoro are his United States of America and Nigerian passports, which were handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.


The report further says, the ex-minister has provided two sureties who are directors in the Federal Civil Service.

Impeccable sources told our correspondent that these were part of the conditions given to the ex-minister for his release.

A source said, “The EFCC asked Obanikoro to submit his passports. He was only willing to drop his Nigerian passport but he has finally submitted the American one. He was asked to produce two directors, who must also present a three-month salary pay slip.

“He has returned N100m and has pledged to return N480m. The actual balance is meant to be N685m, but he was able to provide receipts for some transactions. He paid N85m to someone and that person has been traced.

“He also bought some bulletproof vehicles when he was minister and they will be handed over to the EFCC. The cost of the vehicles will be deducted from the amount that should be returned. Having met the conditions, he should be released any time from now.”

Obanikoro, who left the country around June 2015, was detained by the EFCC on October 17, 2016, after returning and surrendering himself to the commission in Abuja.

He was detained for his alleged role in the diversion of N4.7bn from the imprest account of the Office of the National Security Adviser.

The money was said to have been paid into the bank account of Sylvan McNamara, a company in which his two sons, Babajide and Gbolahan, were directors at the time.

Obanikoro reportedly told detectives that out of the N4.7bn, he paid N3.880bn to Ayodele Fayose and Senator Iyiola Omisore in July 2014, when they were the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidates of Ekiti and Osun states respectively.

However, detectives challenged Obanikoro with evidence that he also received N785m from the money and asked him to return it.

A source at the EFCC said, “Obanikoro claimed that he used part of his own share to do an anti-Boko Haram campaign in Lagos in 2014. However, we found out that he wasn’t telling the whole truth because some of the money was spent on his governorship campaign when he was contesting against Jimi Agbaje during the PDP primary.

“So, we asked him to return his own share of the money and he has promised to do so.”

Part of the money allegedly given to Fayose was converted to $5.377m and handed to him at Spotless Hotel, Ado Ekiti, in the presence of the then Ekiti State PDP Secretary, Tope Aluko, and other party stalwarts.

Obanikoro
The embattled former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro has reportedly aggreed to surrendered all he had illicitly acquired from the slush fund poparly known as Dasukigate.

A fresh report according to Punch Newspaper suggests that the minister has signed an undertaking to return N480m to the Federal Government.

Other properties forfeited by Obanikoro are his United States of America and Nigerian passports, which were handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.


The report further says, the ex-minister has provided two sureties who are directors in the Federal Civil Service.

Impeccable sources told our correspondent that these were part of the conditions given to the ex-minister for his release.

A source said, “The EFCC asked Obanikoro to submit his passports. He was only willing to drop his Nigerian passport but he has finally submitted the American one. He was asked to produce two directors, who must also present a three-month salary pay slip.

“He has returned N100m and has pledged to return N480m. The actual balance is meant to be N685m, but he was able to provide receipts for some transactions. He paid N85m to someone and that person has been traced.

“He also bought some bulletproof vehicles when he was minister and they will be handed over to the EFCC. The cost of the vehicles will be deducted from the amount that should be returned. Having met the conditions, he should be released any time from now.”

Obanikoro, who left the country around June 2015, was detained by the EFCC on October 17, 2016, after returning and surrendering himself to the commission in Abuja.

He was detained for his alleged role in the diversion of N4.7bn from the imprest account of the Office of the National Security Adviser.

The money was said to have been paid into the bank account of Sylvan McNamara, a company in which his two sons, Babajide and Gbolahan, were directors at the time.

Obanikoro reportedly told detectives that out of the N4.7bn, he paid N3.880bn to Ayodele Fayose and Senator Iyiola Omisore in July 2014, when they were the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidates of Ekiti and Osun states respectively.

However, detectives challenged Obanikoro with evidence that he also received N785m from the money and asked him to return it.

A source at the EFCC said, “Obanikoro claimed that he used part of his own share to do an anti-Boko Haram campaign in Lagos in 2014. However, we found out that he wasn’t telling the whole truth because some of the money was spent on his governorship campaign when he was contesting against Jimi Agbaje during the PDP primary.

“So, we asked him to return his own share of the money and he has promised to do so.”

Part of the money allegedly given to Fayose was converted to $5.377m and handed to him at Spotless Hotel, Ado Ekiti, in the presence of the then Ekiti State PDP Secretary, Tope Aluko, and other party stalwarts.

Bishop Kukah Prays For The Trio Of PDP VIP Prisoners Obanikoro, Fani-Kayode, Abati In EFCC Custody

Bishop Kukah Prays For The Trio Of PDP VIP Prisoners Obanikoro, Fani-Kayode, Abati In EFCC Custody

 Obanikoro, Fani-Kayode, Abati
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev’d Matthew Kukah, on Monday visited the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in Abuja, where he prayed for some chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, currently being detained.

Kukah prayed for former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, former Minister of state for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro and ex-spokesman to the immediate past president, Reuben Abati.

The trio are being held for allegedly benefiting from the slush funds said to be misappropriated by the former National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki (rtd).


Kukah, who was conducted round the detention facility by the acting Chairman of the agency, Ibrahim Magu, described it as ‘clean and orderly.”

The priest, who used the visit to assess the state of the detention facilities, said he was satisfied that the EFCC paid premium attention to the well being of the detainees by ensuring that the facilities provided comfort to them.

Speaking after the tour, the clergyman said, “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.”

Kukah had over the weekend called on Nigerians to work towards the unity of the country, stressing that Nigeria does not belong to Christians, Muslims or any political party. 

 Obanikoro, Fani-Kayode, Abati
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev’d Matthew Kukah, on Monday visited the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in Abuja, where he prayed for some chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, currently being detained.

Kukah prayed for former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, former Minister of state for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro and ex-spokesman to the immediate past president, Reuben Abati.

The trio are being held for allegedly benefiting from the slush funds said to be misappropriated by the former National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki (rtd).


Kukah, who was conducted round the detention facility by the acting Chairman of the agency, Ibrahim Magu, described it as ‘clean and orderly.”

The priest, who used the visit to assess the state of the detention facilities, said he was satisfied that the EFCC paid premium attention to the well being of the detainees by ensuring that the facilities provided comfort to them.

Speaking after the tour, the clergyman said, “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.”

Kukah had over the weekend called on Nigerians to work towards the unity of the country, stressing that Nigeria does not belong to Christians, Muslims or any political party. 

Fayose In Near Jail, As Bank Officials Also CONFESSED How They Received The Stolen N1.2b In Ghana-Must-Go Bag For The Gov

Fayose In Near Jail, As Bank Officials Also CONFESSED How They Received The Stolen N1.2b In Ghana-Must-Go Bag For The Gov

Fayose
Though he might still be immunized to arrest and prosecution by virtue of his position as the Ekiti State Governor, but Mr, Ayodele Peter Fayose may be near jail as officials of Zenith Bank have confessed and revealed how they helped the governor in the laundering process of the N1.2 billion.

Despite Governor Fayose denials, his friend, probably a partner in the crime, Mr. Musiliu Obanikoro, a former Minister had also confessed how he actually made available the said N1.2 billion availabe to the governor.


That Scattered My Relationship For 2years.. Click HERE for Details

When the prosecution opened its case yesterday in the trial of Abiodun Agbele, an aide to Ekiti State, Fayose,  one Mr Sunday Oluseye Alade, a 54 years old banker told the court how he, along with some other officials of a bank and others received N1,219,490,000 cash brought into Akure airport on June 17, 2014 by ex-Minister of State for Defence Musiliu Obanikoro and two others.

According to The Nation Newspaper, the witness, who works in the Akure branch of the bank, gave details of how two aircraft brought the cash on two occasions, same day and how they moved the cash in a bullion van.

Agbele was arraigned before Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court, Abuja on August 3, 2016 on 11 counts of money laundering involving about N4,685,723,000,000, allegedly taken by former National Security Adviser (NSA) 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 total 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 led in evidence yesterday by prosecution lawyer Wahab Shittu, also gave details of how Agbele allegedly supervised the lodgment of the cash into different accounts, including those allegedly belonging to Fayose, his company, Spotless Investment and others.

The prosecution also tendered some statements made by the witness on June 2, 2016 and July 4, 2016.

Part of the statement of June 2, 2016 reads: “Sometime in the month of June 2014, I was informed by my colleague in Ibadan,  Lawrence Akande, that a customer of the bank will be bringing cash for lodgment in their account, but since the cash involved may be what he cannot singlehandedly handle and conveniently/safely bring to the branch office, I should arrange for the bank’s bullion van to evacuate the cash from Akure airport.

“To this end, that one Abiodun Agbele had collected my number from him and will call me in respect of the lodgment. Later on that date, nne Mr. Abiodun Agbele called that we should arrange to pick some cash from the Akure airport.

“He then came to meet us in the branch with Toyota Hillux van with some security ‘Army’ personnel. We then drove to the airport. At Akure airport, we waited for sometime before the arrival of a medium sized aircraft.

“After the aircraft had parked, three individuals came down and Mr. Abiodun Agbele walked to meet them.

“They had a brief discussion and two of the three men walked away and entered a waiting Toyota Hillux, one of the two appeared to be Senator Musiliu Obanikoro.

“The remaining individual, together with Abiodun Agbele then invited my team to come to the tarmac with the bullion van. And we off-loaded the cash to the bullion van.

“We then drove to the bank in the town in a convoy with their security team made up of soldiers and Mopol officers. At the branch, we just bundle counted the cash and ascertained it was N724,500,000.

“The person that handed over the cash later introduced himself as Adewale A. O and claimed to be a military aide de camp to Senator Obanikoro. He left us in the bank and went back to the airport in Akure.

“After about three hours, we drove our bullion van and security team back to the airport and waited until when another aircraft came with the second tranche, which was equally off-loaded to our bullion van and taken to the bank branch in Akure for ascertainment in the presence of Abiodun Agbele and one Adewale A. O.

“This second movement was ascertained to be N494,990,000 only. We were then informed by Abiodun Agbele that the cash was to be credited to various accounts,” Alade said.

The witness also gave details of how the money was distributed into the various accounts.

“The account credited and the amount are as follows: N100m was credited to Spotless Investment account: 1010170969 on 17/06/2014; Deprivateer Ltd was credited in account: 1013835889 with N219,490,000 on 18/06/2014 and another N300m on 19/06/2014 and another N200m on 23/06/2014.

“Another account owned by Ayodele Fayose was credited with N137,000,000 on 26/06/1014. This brings the total amount credited to the various accounts to N956,490,000.

“Mr. Abiodun Agbele then eventually took away the cash balance of N263m with their security team to Ado-Ekiti on the same day the cash was delivered in Akure.

“The total amount of cash so delivered amounted to N1,219,490,000. The amount deposited was N724,500,000, cash taken away N956,490,000 and cash balance of N263,000,000 (taken away by Abiodun Agbele).

“The driver that drove the bullion van on that cash pick-up engagement was Olaolu Omotosho. I do not know the registration number of the aircraft, but the colour is metallic grey.

“I was able to recognise Senator Musiliu Obanikoro sine the appearance resembled his picture that I used to see on the television and newspaper, but I cannot recognise the third person that came out of the aircraft with him.

“The cash was packed inside several sacks popularly referred to as Ghana-must-go sack. The aircraft that brought the second tranche of the cash was of a smaller size when compared with the aircraft that brought the first tranche.

“The sacks were many, and as such, I cannot remember the number. Mr. Abiodun Agbele collected a packet of deposit booklet and when we got to the bank with the N724,500,000, he said he would fill the deposit slip for the various amounts,” the witness said.

Excerpts From The Nation Newspaper used in tis article

Fayose
Though he might still be immunized to arrest and prosecution by virtue of his position as the Ekiti State Governor, but Mr, Ayodele Peter Fayose may be near jail as officials of Zenith Bank have confessed and revealed how they helped the governor in the laundering process of the N1.2 billion.

Despite Governor Fayose denials, his friend, probably a partner in the crime, Mr. Musiliu Obanikoro, a former Minister had also confessed how he actually made available the said N1.2 billion availabe to the governor.


That Scattered My Relationship For 2years.. Click HERE for Details

When the prosecution opened its case yesterday in the trial of Abiodun Agbele, an aide to Ekiti State, Fayose,  one Mr Sunday Oluseye Alade, a 54 years old banker told the court how he, along with some other officials of a bank and others received N1,219,490,000 cash brought into Akure airport on June 17, 2014 by ex-Minister of State for Defence Musiliu Obanikoro and two others.

According to The Nation Newspaper, the witness, who works in the Akure branch of the bank, gave details of how two aircraft brought the cash on two occasions, same day and how they moved the cash in a bullion van.

Agbele was arraigned before Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court, Abuja on August 3, 2016 on 11 counts of money laundering involving about N4,685,723,000,000, allegedly taken by former National Security Adviser (NSA) 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 total 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 led in evidence yesterday by prosecution lawyer Wahab Shittu, also gave details of how Agbele allegedly supervised the lodgment of the cash into different accounts, including those allegedly belonging to Fayose, his company, Spotless Investment and others.

The prosecution also tendered some statements made by the witness on June 2, 2016 and July 4, 2016.

Part of the statement of June 2, 2016 reads: “Sometime in the month of June 2014, I was informed by my colleague in Ibadan,  Lawrence Akande, that a customer of the bank will be bringing cash for lodgment in their account, but since the cash involved may be what he cannot singlehandedly handle and conveniently/safely bring to the branch office, I should arrange for the bank’s bullion van to evacuate the cash from Akure airport.

“To this end, that one Abiodun Agbele had collected my number from him and will call me in respect of the lodgment. Later on that date, nne Mr. Abiodun Agbele called that we should arrange to pick some cash from the Akure airport.

“He then came to meet us in the branch with Toyota Hillux van with some security ‘Army’ personnel. We then drove to the airport. At Akure airport, we waited for sometime before the arrival of a medium sized aircraft.

“After the aircraft had parked, three individuals came down and Mr. Abiodun Agbele walked to meet them.

“They had a brief discussion and two of the three men walked away and entered a waiting Toyota Hillux, one of the two appeared to be Senator Musiliu Obanikoro.

“The remaining individual, together with Abiodun Agbele then invited my team to come to the tarmac with the bullion van. And we off-loaded the cash to the bullion van.

“We then drove to the bank in the town in a convoy with their security team made up of soldiers and Mopol officers. At the branch, we just bundle counted the cash and ascertained it was N724,500,000.

“The person that handed over the cash later introduced himself as Adewale A. O and claimed to be a military aide de camp to Senator Obanikoro. He left us in the bank and went back to the airport in Akure.

“After about three hours, we drove our bullion van and security team back to the airport and waited until when another aircraft came with the second tranche, which was equally off-loaded to our bullion van and taken to the bank branch in Akure for ascertainment in the presence of Abiodun Agbele and one Adewale A. O.

“This second movement was ascertained to be N494,990,000 only. We were then informed by Abiodun Agbele that the cash was to be credited to various accounts,” Alade said.

The witness also gave details of how the money was distributed into the various accounts.

“The account credited and the amount are as follows: N100m was credited to Spotless Investment account: 1010170969 on 17/06/2014; Deprivateer Ltd was credited in account: 1013835889 with N219,490,000 on 18/06/2014 and another N300m on 19/06/2014 and another N200m on 23/06/2014.

“Another account owned by Ayodele Fayose was credited with N137,000,000 on 26/06/1014. This brings the total amount credited to the various accounts to N956,490,000.

“Mr. Abiodun Agbele then eventually took away the cash balance of N263m with their security team to Ado-Ekiti on the same day the cash was delivered in Akure.

“The total amount of cash so delivered amounted to N1,219,490,000. The amount deposited was N724,500,000, cash taken away N956,490,000 and cash balance of N263,000,000 (taken away by Abiodun Agbele).

“The driver that drove the bullion van on that cash pick-up engagement was Olaolu Omotosho. I do not know the registration number of the aircraft, but the colour is metallic grey.

“I was able to recognise Senator Musiliu Obanikoro sine the appearance resembled his picture that I used to see on the television and newspaper, but I cannot recognise the third person that came out of the aircraft with him.

“The cash was packed inside several sacks popularly referred to as Ghana-must-go sack. The aircraft that brought the second tranche of the cash was of a smaller size when compared with the aircraft that brought the first tranche.

“The sacks were many, and as such, I cannot remember the number. Mr. Abiodun Agbele collected a packet of deposit booklet and when we got to the bank with the N724,500,000, he said he would fill the deposit slip for the various amounts,” the witness said.

Excerpts From The Nation Newspaper used in tis article

$2.1b Arms Scam: Jittery Obanikoro NAILED Also Jonathan; Confession Sparks EFCC Moves To Arrest Former President

$2.1b Arms Scam: Jittery Obanikoro NAILED Also Jonathan; Confession Sparks EFCC Moves To Arrest Former President

President Jonathan and Obanikoro
Report according to Post Nigeria suggests that there are strong indications that the Federal Government may have concluded plans to invite former President, Goodluck Jonathan, to come and answer some of the issues raised by the former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, in his latest confession, over the controversial arms deal scandal.

Obanikoro’s return to Nigeria from the United States of America, USA, to ‘willingly’ surrender to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has further indicted Jonathan, and the Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, in the arms deal scandal.


Obanikoro, who was a Minister during the administration of Jonathan, was accused of being involved in the infamous arms scam, as N4.75 billion slush funds, was reportedly traced to his bank account.
His visit to the EFCC, was considered a surprise, as he had earlier vowed not to return to Nigeria, and also dared President Muhammadu Buhari, to extradite him from the US.

According to the statement made to the EFCC, Obanikoro said N4.745 billion was wired to a company named Sylva Mcnamara, within a period of seven months, in 2014. He revealed that N2.23 billion was transferred to Fayose, out of the slush funds, which were endorsed by Jonathan.
“The EFCC will seek for the permission of President Buhari, to invite his predecessor, Jonathan, to come and clarify some of these allegations. We need to put the matter to rest. We pray that Buhari will concede to our request,” a high profile source in the EFCC said
Reacting, Professor Fidelis Oditah, SAN, said, “Does he (Jonathan) have immunity? Is he not a Nigerian? Everybody is equal before the law. He should be questioned. Many leaders in Africa have gone to jail for corruption. We should avail ourselves the opportunity to combat corruption, by showing people they won’t get off scot-free, when they leave office, having plundered the State.”
He added: “There is nothing political about it. If I steal money, won’t I be investigated? Won’t the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission invite me? Is that political? Why should politicians be provided with a life-long immunity from being probed? If he (Jonathan) is probed, some people will say the past President’s can of worm is opened. That is the problem we have in this country. We must make it clear to everyone, that no one is above the law. At some point, you must be held accountable for your stewardship. I don’t think quizzing Jonathan, has anything to do with politics. It is about cleaning the system, and enforcing our laws.”
Also Speaking, Femi Aina (a Lawyer), corroborated what Fidelis said:  “the onus is on the EFCC, to go where evidence takes them, as an investigating agency. However, care should be taken, because it is normal for an accused person to blame someone else for their criminal conduct.
”The responsibility for the security vote, lies with the former President (Goodluck Jonathan), as the Commander-in-Chief; as such, there is nothing wrong if he is invited to provide clarification on some of the issues raised by (Musiliu) Obanikoro, and other cabinet members.
“The EFCC needs to move promptly, to interview the former President, to tell Nigerians the exact order or instruction that he gave to a former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, or Obanikoro, so that the matters could move to court as soon as possible, because any further delay would erode public confidence, if it is not already eroded.”
On the contrary, Dr. Konyinsola Ajayi, SAN, stated: 
“I don’t think former President Goodluck Jonathan, should be probed by the EFCC, because there is no reason for that yet. If any of his Ministers have been found culpable of corruption, then they should be probed and prosecuted by the EFCC. But since there is nothing linking Jonathan, I will not agree that he should be probed.”

Source:Post-Nigeria

President Jonathan and Obanikoro
Report according to Post Nigeria suggests that there are strong indications that the Federal Government may have concluded plans to invite former President, Goodluck Jonathan, to come and answer some of the issues raised by the former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, in his latest confession, over the controversial arms deal scandal.

Obanikoro’s return to Nigeria from the United States of America, USA, to ‘willingly’ surrender to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has further indicted Jonathan, and the Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, in the arms deal scandal.


Obanikoro, who was a Minister during the administration of Jonathan, was accused of being involved in the infamous arms scam, as N4.75 billion slush funds, was reportedly traced to his bank account.
His visit to the EFCC, was considered a surprise, as he had earlier vowed not to return to Nigeria, and also dared President Muhammadu Buhari, to extradite him from the US.

According to the statement made to the EFCC, Obanikoro said N4.745 billion was wired to a company named Sylva Mcnamara, within a period of seven months, in 2014. He revealed that N2.23 billion was transferred to Fayose, out of the slush funds, which were endorsed by Jonathan.
“The EFCC will seek for the permission of President Buhari, to invite his predecessor, Jonathan, to come and clarify some of these allegations. We need to put the matter to rest. We pray that Buhari will concede to our request,” a high profile source in the EFCC said
Reacting, Professor Fidelis Oditah, SAN, said, “Does he (Jonathan) have immunity? Is he not a Nigerian? Everybody is equal before the law. He should be questioned. Many leaders in Africa have gone to jail for corruption. We should avail ourselves the opportunity to combat corruption, by showing people they won’t get off scot-free, when they leave office, having plundered the State.”
He added: “There is nothing political about it. If I steal money, won’t I be investigated? Won’t the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission invite me? Is that political? Why should politicians be provided with a life-long immunity from being probed? If he (Jonathan) is probed, some people will say the past President’s can of worm is opened. That is the problem we have in this country. We must make it clear to everyone, that no one is above the law. At some point, you must be held accountable for your stewardship. I don’t think quizzing Jonathan, has anything to do with politics. It is about cleaning the system, and enforcing our laws.”
Also Speaking, Femi Aina (a Lawyer), corroborated what Fidelis said:  “the onus is on the EFCC, to go where evidence takes them, as an investigating agency. However, care should be taken, because it is normal for an accused person to blame someone else for their criminal conduct.
”The responsibility for the security vote, lies with the former President (Goodluck Jonathan), as the Commander-in-Chief; as such, there is nothing wrong if he is invited to provide clarification on some of the issues raised by (Musiliu) Obanikoro, and other cabinet members.
“The EFCC needs to move promptly, to interview the former President, to tell Nigerians the exact order or instruction that he gave to a former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, or Obanikoro, so that the matters could move to court as soon as possible, because any further delay would erode public confidence, if it is not already eroded.”
On the contrary, Dr. Konyinsola Ajayi, SAN, stated: 
“I don’t think former President Goodluck Jonathan, should be probed by the EFCC, because there is no reason for that yet. If any of his Ministers have been found culpable of corruption, then they should be probed and prosecuted by the EFCC. But since there is nothing linking Jonathan, I will not agree that he should be probed.”

Source:Post-Nigeria

Obanikoro Strikes 'Amnesty' Deal With FG, Agrees To Testify Against Fayose, Others Over $2.1b Arms Fraud

Obanikoro Strikes 'Amnesty' Deal With FG, Agrees To Testify Against Fayose, Others Over $2.1b Arms Fraud

Obanikoro Strikes 'Amnesty' Deal With FG, Agrees To Testify Against Fayose, Others Over $2.1b Arms Fraud
The embattled former Minster of State for defense, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro may have struck a deal with the Federal Government to stand as a prime prosecuting witness against some allies who are involved in the $2.1 billion arms scam, New Telegraph reports suggests

According to NT, the Federal Government may have concluded plans to make use of a former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Mussiliu Obanikoro, as prosecution witness against the Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, and a former deputy governor of Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore, in the ongoing probe of $2.1billion arms deal involving a former National Security Adviser (NSA) to former President Goodluck Jonathan.


Fayose, had earlier been indicted by a military panel, which alleged that Fayose was among those given the money released by the former NSA, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd.), in the build up to the 2015 general elections.

Saturday Telegraph gathered from sources within the presidency that Obanikoro, who flew into the country during the week, and surrendered himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), had been penciled as one of the prosecution witnesses to be used against Fayose, when he is eventually brought to justice.

Although, the governor enjoys immunity as guaranteed by the constitution, indications emerged that he might be prosecuted as soon as he finishes his tenure. Obanikoro, who is alleged to have also soiled his hands in the arms deal, would in return be left off the hook and not prosecuted as expected, as an agreement had been reached that the Federal Government would file a nolle prosequi (no case submission) against the former minister.

The source, who spoke with our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, explained that, with the manner the deal was brokered, Obanikoro, who was in the United States, had no choice but to agree and return home.

“The former minister offered to nail Fayose and reveal the secrets between them after much pressure, so that he can save himself. He was told that they will let him go if only he could help them, by standing as a prosecution witness against Fayose.

“They have been on it since March, but it took some time before he could agree to play along with them. He was also accused of fraud, that’s why he didn’t want to come back home until they gave him this chance. “It was an opportunity to redeem his image and walk freely.

He took a wise decision by accepting the offer to be a prosecution witness because he can’t continue to hide in the United State. There is no place like home”, the source said. Obanikoro had been in the news lately over reports that he had confessed to the EFCC and revealed all that transpired between him and Fayose. He was reported to have admitted that he gave Fayose the sum of N2.3billion from the NSA.

Another source, who claims to be privy to the details of the negotiations,said that the powers that be had already made up their minds to nail Fayose and that is why the Muhammadu Buhari-led adminstartion is exploiting that option.

“You know that a sitting governor has immunity, but we are prepared to wait till 2018, by then, he would have finished his second term in office and there won’t be any immunity for him. One thing is certain; a lot of people would have been convicted by then, including some of his indicted aides.

“And if all those indicted with him are already in jail before his tenure ends, tell me how he won’t face his own music. It is only a matter of time before the long arm of the law catches up with him”, the female source said.

However, Fayose, apparently disturbed by the turn of events, had earlier issued a statement, alleging that the return of the ex-minister from the United States was an “arranged and compromised” move that is tailored towards nailing him. Fayose described Obanikoro’s voluntary return and his surrender to the EFCC as an orchestrated plot to see that he is “implicated at all costs”.

“Those who arranged the dramatic and compromised return of Senator Obanikoro to Nigeria obviously did so in continuation of their project ‘Fayose must be implicated at all cost’ but I am not bothered because my election was legitimately funded.

“However, if this is why they are intimidating judges and the judiciary, it won’t work as far as my own matter is concerned as no one can play God. As far as I am concerned, I am busy here in Ekiti attending to the welfare and well-being of my people.

I won’t be distracted” While the EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwajeren, did not respond to text message sent to him on the matter, Fayose’s spokesman, Lere Olayinka, said his boss was aware of the anti-graft agency’s plan.

He however said the governor would not trade words with the commission. Olayinka said: “We already know what they want to do, but we are not perturbed. We don’t need to respond to their actions, we shall meet in court”.

Source: New Telegraph


Obanikoro Strikes 'Amnesty' Deal With FG, Agrees To Testify Against Fayose, Others Over $2.1b Arms Fraud
The embattled former Minster of State for defense, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro may have struck a deal with the Federal Government to stand as a prime prosecuting witness against some allies who are involved in the $2.1 billion arms scam, New Telegraph reports suggests

According to NT, the Federal Government may have concluded plans to make use of a former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Mussiliu Obanikoro, as prosecution witness against the Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, and a former deputy governor of Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore, in the ongoing probe of $2.1billion arms deal involving a former National Security Adviser (NSA) to former President Goodluck Jonathan.


Fayose, had earlier been indicted by a military panel, which alleged that Fayose was among those given the money released by the former NSA, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd.), in the build up to the 2015 general elections.

Saturday Telegraph gathered from sources within the presidency that Obanikoro, who flew into the country during the week, and surrendered himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), had been penciled as one of the prosecution witnesses to be used against Fayose, when he is eventually brought to justice.

Although, the governor enjoys immunity as guaranteed by the constitution, indications emerged that he might be prosecuted as soon as he finishes his tenure. Obanikoro, who is alleged to have also soiled his hands in the arms deal, would in return be left off the hook and not prosecuted as expected, as an agreement had been reached that the Federal Government would file a nolle prosequi (no case submission) against the former minister.

The source, who spoke with our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, explained that, with the manner the deal was brokered, Obanikoro, who was in the United States, had no choice but to agree and return home.

“The former minister offered to nail Fayose and reveal the secrets between them after much pressure, so that he can save himself. He was told that they will let him go if only he could help them, by standing as a prosecution witness against Fayose.

“They have been on it since March, but it took some time before he could agree to play along with them. He was also accused of fraud, that’s why he didn’t want to come back home until they gave him this chance. “It was an opportunity to redeem his image and walk freely.

He took a wise decision by accepting the offer to be a prosecution witness because he can’t continue to hide in the United State. There is no place like home”, the source said. Obanikoro had been in the news lately over reports that he had confessed to the EFCC and revealed all that transpired between him and Fayose. He was reported to have admitted that he gave Fayose the sum of N2.3billion from the NSA.

Another source, who claims to be privy to the details of the negotiations,said that the powers that be had already made up their minds to nail Fayose and that is why the Muhammadu Buhari-led adminstartion is exploiting that option.

“You know that a sitting governor has immunity, but we are prepared to wait till 2018, by then, he would have finished his second term in office and there won’t be any immunity for him. One thing is certain; a lot of people would have been convicted by then, including some of his indicted aides.

“And if all those indicted with him are already in jail before his tenure ends, tell me how he won’t face his own music. It is only a matter of time before the long arm of the law catches up with him”, the female source said.

However, Fayose, apparently disturbed by the turn of events, had earlier issued a statement, alleging that the return of the ex-minister from the United States was an “arranged and compromised” move that is tailored towards nailing him. Fayose described Obanikoro’s voluntary return and his surrender to the EFCC as an orchestrated plot to see that he is “implicated at all costs”.

“Those who arranged the dramatic and compromised return of Senator Obanikoro to Nigeria obviously did so in continuation of their project ‘Fayose must be implicated at all cost’ but I am not bothered because my election was legitimately funded.

“However, if this is why they are intimidating judges and the judiciary, it won’t work as far as my own matter is concerned as no one can play God. As far as I am concerned, I am busy here in Ekiti attending to the welfare and well-being of my people.

I won’t be distracted” While the EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwajeren, did not respond to text message sent to him on the matter, Fayose’s spokesman, Lere Olayinka, said his boss was aware of the anti-graft agency’s plan.

He however said the governor would not trade words with the commission. Olayinka said: “We already know what they want to do, but we are not perturbed. We don’t need to respond to their actions, we shall meet in court”.

Source: New Telegraph


'Born Again' Obanikoro 'Volunteers' To Refund 785m Stolen Fund

'Born Again' Obanikoro 'Volunteers' To Refund 785m Stolen Fund

Musiliu Obanikoro
Confessing like a just converted Born Again' Christian, the embattled former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro may soon be  let out of custody by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following indications that he has agreed to make refunds of the money he allegedly collected from the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA), report according Sahara Reporters New York suggests

Obanikoro, an ex-minister was accused of receiving N785 million from ONSA while in office.

His friends and associates are understood to be rallying around him to raise funds as a first step to secure his bail.


Obanikoro is understood to be targeting  N100 million as the first installment of the refund.

From ONSA, about N4.685 billion was transferred to Sylva McNamara Limited, a company allegedly linked to the ex-Minister.

Obanikoro told EFCC interrogators that N3.880 billion of the N4.685 billion was allocated to Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State and  Senator Iyiola Omisore.

He also said he handed over $5.377 million (about N60 million then) cash to Fayose at Spotless Hotel, Ado-Ekiti in the presence of the former Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state, Dr. Tope Aluko, and other party stalwarts.

He said the balance of N785 million was expended on alleged anti-Boko Haram campaign in Lagos and the South-West.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The ex-minister has been cooperating with detectives and he appears willing to refund some cash out of the N785 million traced to Sylvan McNamara.

“I think his associates and friends have rallied around him, having discovered that the bulk of the cash from ONSA went to Fayose and Omisore.

“I think he might initially refund N100 million to get bail reprieve in order to prevail on others who benefited from the N785 million to repay the slush funds.

“The refund is one of the issues delaying the granting of bail to the ex-minister.”

Obanikoro had said:  “The balance of N785 million were used to prosecute the following: 1. procurement of souvenirs for the promotion of anti-Boko Haram insurgency in Lagos; 2. N200million for surveillance activities; 3. N200 million and other remaining funds were for operations managed by Taiwo Kareem.

“Taiwo Kareem impressed the former NSA with his management of pre and post-election funds. To God be the glory, the two elections were carried out without any loss of life

“When bomb blast occurred in Lagos on the 25th of June 2014, the NSA was disturbed and told me of his commitment to ensuring that such doesn’t reoccur.

“He expressed the grave consequence that the reoccurrence will have not only on Lagos but the economy of the entire country.

“He emphasized the need for local input to complement the activities of security agencies. This is how Sylvan McNamara was introduced.”

The EFCC had discovered that Sylvan Mcnamara Limited, allegedly owned by Obanikoro and his sons,   was used to launder the N4.745 billion.

The company, which was incorporated in November 2011 had 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.

Ikenna Ezekwe’s account has been de-frozen by the EFCC since the slush funds were not traced to him.

Ezekwe has also been removed as the director of the slush company.

A document 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.”

EFCC claimed that when it was time to illegally draw the N4.745 billion from ONSA as the war chest for Ekiti Governorship poll, ex-minister Obanikoro made the account of Sylvan Mcnamara Limited available and coordinated the disbursement.

Contacted, Obanikoro’s spokesperson, Jonathan Eze, said he was not aware of the development.

Another source close to him, however, said: “it is true.”

SH New York

Musiliu Obanikoro
Confessing like a just converted Born Again' Christian, the embattled former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro may soon be  let out of custody by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following indications that he has agreed to make refunds of the money he allegedly collected from the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA), report according Sahara Reporters New York suggests

Obanikoro, an ex-minister was accused of receiving N785 million from ONSA while in office.

His friends and associates are understood to be rallying around him to raise funds as a first step to secure his bail.


Obanikoro is understood to be targeting  N100 million as the first installment of the refund.

From ONSA, about N4.685 billion was transferred to Sylva McNamara Limited, a company allegedly linked to the ex-Minister.

Obanikoro told EFCC interrogators that N3.880 billion of the N4.685 billion was allocated to Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State and  Senator Iyiola Omisore.

He also said he handed over $5.377 million (about N60 million then) cash to Fayose at Spotless Hotel, Ado-Ekiti in the presence of the former Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state, Dr. Tope Aluko, and other party stalwarts.

He said the balance of N785 million was expended on alleged anti-Boko Haram campaign in Lagos and the South-West.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The ex-minister has been cooperating with detectives and he appears willing to refund some cash out of the N785 million traced to Sylvan McNamara.

“I think his associates and friends have rallied around him, having discovered that the bulk of the cash from ONSA went to Fayose and Omisore.

“I think he might initially refund N100 million to get bail reprieve in order to prevail on others who benefited from the N785 million to repay the slush funds.

“The refund is one of the issues delaying the granting of bail to the ex-minister.”

Obanikoro had said:  “The balance of N785 million were used to prosecute the following: 1. procurement of souvenirs for the promotion of anti-Boko Haram insurgency in Lagos; 2. N200million for surveillance activities; 3. N200 million and other remaining funds were for operations managed by Taiwo Kareem.

“Taiwo Kareem impressed the former NSA with his management of pre and post-election funds. To God be the glory, the two elections were carried out without any loss of life

“When bomb blast occurred in Lagos on the 25th of June 2014, the NSA was disturbed and told me of his commitment to ensuring that such doesn’t reoccur.

“He expressed the grave consequence that the reoccurrence will have not only on Lagos but the economy of the entire country.

“He emphasized the need for local input to complement the activities of security agencies. This is how Sylvan McNamara was introduced.”

The EFCC had discovered that Sylvan Mcnamara Limited, allegedly owned by Obanikoro and his sons,   was used to launder the N4.745 billion.

The company, which was incorporated in November 2011 had 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.

Ikenna Ezekwe’s account has been de-frozen by the EFCC since the slush funds were not traced to him.

Ezekwe has also been removed as the director of the slush company.

A document 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.”

EFCC claimed that when it was time to illegally draw the N4.745 billion from ONSA as the war chest for Ekiti Governorship poll, ex-minister Obanikoro made the account of Sylvan Mcnamara Limited available and coordinated the disbursement.

Contacted, Obanikoro’s spokesperson, Jonathan Eze, said he was not aware of the development.

Another source close to him, however, said: “it is true.”

SH New York


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