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Showing posts with label Musiliu Obanikoro. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Musiliu Obanikoro. Show all posts

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

DasukiGate: How We Shared N8.3b, Who Gets What - Jittery Obanikoro Talks More From Prison; See List of 'VIP Fraudsters'

DasukiGate: How We Shared N8.3b, Who Gets What - Jittery Obanikoro Talks More From Prison; See List of 'VIP Fraudsters'

A former Minister of State (Defence) Musiliu Obanikoro, who is still in the cutody of the anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC yesterday made more revelations on how the N4.745billion wired to a company linked to him by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) was shared.

The money comprised N4.685billon transferred to Sylva McNamara Limited and N60million ($5.77m) cash personally given to Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose by the ex-Minister, The Nation Newspaper reports


Fayose issued a statement yesterday, saying Obanikoro’s return from overseas was planned to nail him. He did not deny receiving money from the former minister.

Obanikoro told Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) detectives that N3.880billion was allocated to Fayose and Sen. Iyiola Omisore out of the cash.

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

He reportedly demonstrated how Fayose collected the cash and put it “in the room next to where we were seated”.

The ex-minister, who made the disclosures during another round of grilling, said there were heaps of bank transfers to buttress his statement.

He said: “Out of N4.685billon transferred to Sylva McNamara Limited, N3.880billion was transferred to both Ayodele Fayose and Senator Omisore through cash and bank transfers.

“The dollars contents were handed over to Fayose personally by me in the presence of some party leaders and he collected it and took it to the room next to where we were all seated.

“The location where I gave the dollars to him is called Spotless Hotel, Ado-Ekiti. One of the party leaders that was present is Dr. Tope Aluko, who was then the secretary of our party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“I transferred N1.7 billion to Omisore. The money was paid into his account and companies nominated by him. He gave the list of companies for the transfer of the N1.7billion that was released by the NSA to him.

“The funds were therefore transferred as prescribed by Omisore in full. That is to the account of the companies he provided. Details can be obtained from the bank that transferred the money.

“I, Musiliu Obanikoro, did not buy or sell any landed property from Sen. Omisore. The National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd) did not disclose to me what the funds were meant for and neither did I ask or I did not know the source of the funds.”

The former Minister however claimed that the balance of N785milion was used to wage war against Boko Haram in Lagos.

He added: “The balance of N785milion was 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. N200million 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 ensure 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 obtained yesterday a court warrant to detain Obanikoro.

The anti-graft agency has also seized his passport to restrict his movement to the country.

A source said: “We have a valid warrant from the court to detain the ex-minister pending the conclusion of his interrogation by our team. He has a lot to tell us and we are keeping him in safe custody with comfort to enable him respond to the issues we have isolated for him.

“We have also seized his passport to restrict his movement to the country pending the conclusion of the ongoing probe.”

Aluko is believed to have made a statement to the EFCC.

Aluko had last year claimed that Obanikoro and Fayose clashed when the money ferried to Akure Airport was short of N80million.

He said: “The Presidency gave us security and money; the money was sent from a Diamond Bank branch through an account run by Sylvan MacNamara, a company owned by Obanikoro.

“My boss (Fayose) said he wanted to get his own in cash and that was why such a huge amount was ferried by plane. Obanikoro cannot claim not to have brought the money.

“He (Fayose) chose his man, Abiodun Agbele, to keep the money in a bank account. The transaction was not recorded and it got to a stage when it was discovered that the money was short by N80 million.

“This caused a crisis between Fayose and Obanikoro, who brought the money. He (Obanikoro) brought other things, apart from money, which I won’t disclose now..

 ”The cash carried in the plane was not entered into the manifest. It was delivered to a bank at 4.30 am in Ekiti. The remaining from the cash received for the election was used to buy a house in Abuja and the house belongs to Fayose.”


A former Minister of State (Defence) Musiliu Obanikoro, who is still in the cutody of the anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC yesterday made more revelations on how the N4.745billion wired to a company linked to him by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) was shared.

The money comprised N4.685billon transferred to Sylva McNamara Limited and N60million ($5.77m) cash personally given to Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose by the ex-Minister, The Nation Newspaper reports


Fayose issued a statement yesterday, saying Obanikoro’s return from overseas was planned to nail him. He did not deny receiving money from the former minister.

Obanikoro told Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) detectives that N3.880billion was allocated to Fayose and Sen. Iyiola Omisore out of the cash.

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

He reportedly demonstrated how Fayose collected the cash and put it “in the room next to where we were seated”.

The ex-minister, who made the disclosures during another round of grilling, said there were heaps of bank transfers to buttress his statement.

He said: “Out of N4.685billon transferred to Sylva McNamara Limited, N3.880billion was transferred to both Ayodele Fayose and Senator Omisore through cash and bank transfers.

“The dollars contents were handed over to Fayose personally by me in the presence of some party leaders and he collected it and took it to the room next to where we were all seated.

“The location where I gave the dollars to him is called Spotless Hotel, Ado-Ekiti. One of the party leaders that was present is Dr. Tope Aluko, who was then the secretary of our party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“I transferred N1.7 billion to Omisore. The money was paid into his account and companies nominated by him. He gave the list of companies for the transfer of the N1.7billion that was released by the NSA to him.

“The funds were therefore transferred as prescribed by Omisore in full. That is to the account of the companies he provided. Details can be obtained from the bank that transferred the money.

“I, Musiliu Obanikoro, did not buy or sell any landed property from Sen. Omisore. The National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd) did not disclose to me what the funds were meant for and neither did I ask or I did not know the source of the funds.”

The former Minister however claimed that the balance of N785milion was used to wage war against Boko Haram in Lagos.

He added: “The balance of N785milion was 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. N200million 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 ensure 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 obtained yesterday a court warrant to detain Obanikoro.

The anti-graft agency has also seized his passport to restrict his movement to the country.

A source said: “We have a valid warrant from the court to detain the ex-minister pending the conclusion of his interrogation by our team. He has a lot to tell us and we are keeping him in safe custody with comfort to enable him respond to the issues we have isolated for him.

“We have also seized his passport to restrict his movement to the country pending the conclusion of the ongoing probe.”

Aluko is believed to have made a statement to the EFCC.

Aluko had last year claimed that Obanikoro and Fayose clashed when the money ferried to Akure Airport was short of N80million.

He said: “The Presidency gave us security and money; the money was sent from a Diamond Bank branch through an account run by Sylvan MacNamara, a company owned by Obanikoro.

“My boss (Fayose) said he wanted to get his own in cash and that was why such a huge amount was ferried by plane. Obanikoro cannot claim not to have brought the money.

“He (Fayose) chose his man, Abiodun Agbele, to keep the money in a bank account. The transaction was not recorded and it got to a stage when it was discovered that the money was short by N80 million.

“This caused a crisis between Fayose and Obanikoro, who brought the money. He (Obanikoro) brought other things, apart from money, which I won’t disclose now..

 ”The cash carried in the plane was not entered into the manifest. It was delivered to a bank at 4.30 am in Ekiti. The remaining from the cash received for the election was used to buy a house in Abuja and the house belongs to Fayose.”


Dasukigate $5.37m Confession: I Smell Rat, Obanikoro Compromised, Conniving With FG To Nail Me - Fayose

Dasukigate $5.37m Confession: I Smell Rat, Obanikoro Compromised, Conniving With FG To Nail Me - Fayose

Fayose and obanikoro
Premium Times - The Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has described the voluntary return of ex-minister Musiliu Obanikoro to Nigeria as “dramatic and compromised,” following the latter’s alleged confessions to the anti-graft agency, EFCC.

Mr. Fayose said he will not be distracted by Mr. Obanikoro’s reported confessions that he transferred N2.3billion to the Ekiti leader from the Office of the National Security Adviser to fund his 2014 governorship election.


The governor, in a statement on Wednesday signed by his Special Adviser on Public Communication and New Media, Lere Olayinka, said the report was a plot by the Federal Government and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to implicate him “at all cost.”

Mr. Obanikoro, who turned himself in to the EFCC on Monday, has been in EFCC custody since then facing interrogation on allegations of corruption and receipt of funds from the Office of the National Security Adviser without contract awards.

The former minister of state for defense arrived Nigeria on Monday after leaving the country in 2015 amid the corruption allegations. He was alleged to have facilitated the disbursement of the funds to Mr. Fayose in the build up to the 2014 election in Ekiti through Biodun Agbele, an associate of the governor.

A report by Punch Newspaper on Wednesday said Mr. Obanikoro had owned up to the EFCC on the transfers.

A source close to the former minister also confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES that Mr. Obanikoro was “cooperating” with the anti-graft commission and had written at least two statements to that effect.

But Mr. Fayose dismissed the report, saying it was the commission’s usual media trial.

“This project ‘Fayose must be implicated at all cost’ will definitely not put food on the tables of Nigerians and for all I care, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and its collaborators can keep running from pillar to post while I keep delivering good governance to Ekiti and its people,” he said.

“We have gone past this stage of media trial, EFCC should rather keep its gun powder dry, when we get to the bridge, we will cross it. They said more than this in the 2006 poultry scam blackmail, despite that, I am the governor today.”

While noting that his reaction to the report was only “to fulfill all righteousness,” the governor said “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.”

He however, said he was not bothered because his election was legitimately funded.

“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,” the governor said.

He said the EFCC should also beam its searchlights on the funding of APC elections.

“Since we are now in the era in which financial assistance from Nigerians to fund elections is being criminalised, the international community, especially those funding EFCC must insist that the commission probes the funding of APC elections before further funds are released to the commission,” he said.

Fayose and obanikoro
Premium Times - The Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has described the voluntary return of ex-minister Musiliu Obanikoro to Nigeria as “dramatic and compromised,” following the latter’s alleged confessions to the anti-graft agency, EFCC.

Mr. Fayose said he will not be distracted by Mr. Obanikoro’s reported confessions that he transferred N2.3billion to the Ekiti leader from the Office of the National Security Adviser to fund his 2014 governorship election.


The governor, in a statement on Wednesday signed by his Special Adviser on Public Communication and New Media, Lere Olayinka, said the report was a plot by the Federal Government and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to implicate him “at all cost.”

Mr. Obanikoro, who turned himself in to the EFCC on Monday, has been in EFCC custody since then facing interrogation on allegations of corruption and receipt of funds from the Office of the National Security Adviser without contract awards.

The former minister of state for defense arrived Nigeria on Monday after leaving the country in 2015 amid the corruption allegations. He was alleged to have facilitated the disbursement of the funds to Mr. Fayose in the build up to the 2014 election in Ekiti through Biodun Agbele, an associate of the governor.

A report by Punch Newspaper on Wednesday said Mr. Obanikoro had owned up to the EFCC on the transfers.

A source close to the former minister also confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES that Mr. Obanikoro was “cooperating” with the anti-graft commission and had written at least two statements to that effect.

But Mr. Fayose dismissed the report, saying it was the commission’s usual media trial.

“This project ‘Fayose must be implicated at all cost’ will definitely not put food on the tables of Nigerians and for all I care, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and its collaborators can keep running from pillar to post while I keep delivering good governance to Ekiti and its people,” he said.

“We have gone past this stage of media trial, EFCC should rather keep its gun powder dry, when we get to the bridge, we will cross it. They said more than this in the 2006 poultry scam blackmail, despite that, I am the governor today.”

While noting that his reaction to the report was only “to fulfill all righteousness,” the governor said “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.”

He however, said he was not bothered because his election was legitimately funded.

“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,” the governor said.

He said the EFCC should also beam its searchlights on the funding of APC elections.

“Since we are now in the era in which financial assistance from Nigerians to fund elections is being criminalised, the international community, especially those funding EFCC must insist that the commission probes the funding of APC elections before further funds are released to the commission,” he said.

Gov. Fayose LIED, I Personally Sent $5.37m Cash To Him For Ekiti Poll - Obanikoro Confesses From Prison

Gov. Fayose LIED, I Personally Sent $5.37m Cash To Him For Ekiti Poll - Obanikoro Confesses From Prison

Gov. Fayose LIED, I Personally Sent $5.37m Cash To Him For Ekiti Poll - Obanikoro Confesses From Prison
Amidst denial by the Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose that he did not receive any money from Chief Musiliu Obanikoro, a former Minister of State for Defence. the detained Obanikoro has implicated Governor Ayodele Fayose in the probe of the N4.745billion wired to a company by the Office of the National Security Adviser(ONSA).

The cash was wired to Sylva Mcnamara, which has been linked to Obanikoro within seven months in 2014.

Sen. Obanikoro said of the cash, N2.23billion was transferred to Fayose.


He handed Fayose $5,377,000 in cash and N1.3billion was received by the governor’s associate, Mr. Abiodun Agbele.

Obanikoro admitted that the N1.3billion was flown to Akure airport in two chartered flights for delivery to Agbele.

The money was sourced from the $2.1billion meant for arms purchase at the ONSA.

Obanikoro told Economic and Financial Crimes (EFCC) detectives that he is not the owner of Sylva Mcnamara that was used to transfer the funds to Fayose.

But he defended why the money was remitted to Mcnamara. Part of the reason is the warding off of a plot by Boko Haram to attack Lagos, he claimed.

Accompanied by his lawyer, Mr. James Onoja(SAN), the ex-minister was confronted with a petition from ONSA which was dated November 28, 2015.

The petition is titled “Payment to companies with no contract awards or approval”.

He said having gone through the petition, he discovered that Sylva Mcnamara was No. 78 on the list of firms being investigated, having “collected the aggregate sum of N4,685,000,000 between April 4, 2014 and November 13, 2014.

A source quoted Obanikoro as saying that “N2.2billion was transferred to Sylva Mcnamara for onward transfer to Mr. Ayodele Fayose on the instruction of the National Security Adviser (NSA).

“The sum of N1.3billion cash was brought in a bullion van by Diamond Bank on the instruction of the NSA.

“In addition, the sum of N60million was converted to dollars at the rate of N168 per dollar and altogether the sum of $5,377,000 was handed over in cash by me to Mr. Fayose while the N1.3billion was received by Mr. Fayose’s associate, Mr. Abiodun Agbele, in the presence of my Aide-de-Camp (ADC), Lt. Adewale, who also accompanied them to the bank along with the bank officials.

“I didn’t interact with the bank officials. I called Fayose before the funds were handed over to Mr. Abiodun Agbele. I spoke to Fayose with my phone at Akure airport.”

On how the cash was transferred to Fayose, the source said Obanikoro told investigators that “two flights were used to convey the money from Lagos”.

The ex-minister said he “took off with the first flight with part of the money. The second flight brought the remaining funds to Akure airport and I directed that it should be handed over to the same person,” he was quoted as saying.

The source said Obanikoro however maintained that part of the cash was used to ward off Boko Haram aggression in Lagos and in the Southwest.

The source added: “He told us that he is not the owner of the company in question but introduced the owner, Mr. Kareem Taiwo, to the NSA, Mr. Sambo Dasuki, when the threat of Boko Haram became more visible in Lagos.

He said the government wanted to “incorporate local  input into the intelligence gathering and prevention of terrorist attack on Lagos and the Southwest”.

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

The company, which was incorporated in November 2011, has the following as its directors: the ex-Minister’s aide, Ikenna Ezekwe(700,000 shares) of 51 Simpson Street, Ebute-Metta; Idowu Oshodi(299,000 shares) of 8, Prince Tayo Adesanya Street, Park View Estate, Ikoyi; and Elizabeth Adebiyi(1,000 shares) of 3, Adedoyin Street, Ijeshatedo, Surulere.

Ezekwe has had his accounts defrozen by the EFCC since the slush funds were not traced to him.

The Nation stumbled on a document on the investigation. t states: “To set the stage for the use of the company for money laundering, the board of directors on May 7, 2012  passed a resolution that the company should open an account and appointed Mr. Gbolahan Obanikoro, Ikenna Ezekwe, Ms. Theresa Matuluko (Secretary) and Mr. Babajide Obanikoro as the signatories to the account.

“The board added that the signing combination be that any of the signatories can sign alone.”

According to EFCC, when it was time to draw the N4.745billion from ONSA as a war chest for the Ekiti governorship poll, ex-Minister Obanikoro made the account of Sylvan Mcnamara Limited available and coordinated the disbursement.

The breakdown of the disbursement is as follows:

  • N N759, 384, 300 changed into dollars through Bureau de change;
  • N160million used to purchase cars through Balmoral International Limited;
  • N1, 219, 490,000 ferried by Obanikoro in two flights to Akure and received by Fayose’s associate, Abiodun; and
  • balance of about N2billion withdrawn by Obanikoro and his two children in cash.

Some of the bureau de change involved in the transactions and the amounts credited to them include  A.A.G.B.S Oil and Gas  (N168,000,000.00); Sylvan Mcnamara Ltd (N167,500,000.00); Northline Ltd (N835,000.00);  Northline Ltd (N83,750,000.00); Five Star Ltd N(37,600,000.00); A.B.A Trading Ent (N268,301,500.00); Villagolf Bureau De Change (N1,425,000.00); Ahmad &Omar (N350,000.000); Northline Ltd  (N1,680,000.00); Northline Limited A (N2,325,300); Rehoboth Homes  (20,000,0000); Northline Ltd (N5,932,500.00); Northline Ltd (N842,500); Northline Ltd (N842,500.00).


Gov. Fayose LIED, I Personally Sent $5.37m Cash To Him For Ekiti Poll - Obanikoro Confesses From Prison
Amidst denial by the Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose that he did not receive any money from Chief Musiliu Obanikoro, a former Minister of State for Defence. the detained Obanikoro has implicated Governor Ayodele Fayose in the probe of the N4.745billion wired to a company by the Office of the National Security Adviser(ONSA).

The cash was wired to Sylva Mcnamara, which has been linked to Obanikoro within seven months in 2014.

Sen. Obanikoro said of the cash, N2.23billion was transferred to Fayose.


He handed Fayose $5,377,000 in cash and N1.3billion was received by the governor’s associate, Mr. Abiodun Agbele.

Obanikoro admitted that the N1.3billion was flown to Akure airport in two chartered flights for delivery to Agbele.

The money was sourced from the $2.1billion meant for arms purchase at the ONSA.

Obanikoro told Economic and Financial Crimes (EFCC) detectives that he is not the owner of Sylva Mcnamara that was used to transfer the funds to Fayose.

But he defended why the money was remitted to Mcnamara. Part of the reason is the warding off of a plot by Boko Haram to attack Lagos, he claimed.

Accompanied by his lawyer, Mr. James Onoja(SAN), the ex-minister was confronted with a petition from ONSA which was dated November 28, 2015.

The petition is titled “Payment to companies with no contract awards or approval”.

He said having gone through the petition, he discovered that Sylva Mcnamara was No. 78 on the list of firms being investigated, having “collected the aggregate sum of N4,685,000,000 between April 4, 2014 and November 13, 2014.

A source quoted Obanikoro as saying that “N2.2billion was transferred to Sylva Mcnamara for onward transfer to Mr. Ayodele Fayose on the instruction of the National Security Adviser (NSA).

“The sum of N1.3billion cash was brought in a bullion van by Diamond Bank on the instruction of the NSA.

“In addition, the sum of N60million was converted to dollars at the rate of N168 per dollar and altogether the sum of $5,377,000 was handed over in cash by me to Mr. Fayose while the N1.3billion was received by Mr. Fayose’s associate, Mr. Abiodun Agbele, in the presence of my Aide-de-Camp (ADC), Lt. Adewale, who also accompanied them to the bank along with the bank officials.

“I didn’t interact with the bank officials. I called Fayose before the funds were handed over to Mr. Abiodun Agbele. I spoke to Fayose with my phone at Akure airport.”

On how the cash was transferred to Fayose, the source said Obanikoro told investigators that “two flights were used to convey the money from Lagos”.

The ex-minister said he “took off with the first flight with part of the money. The second flight brought the remaining funds to Akure airport and I directed that it should be handed over to the same person,” he was quoted as saying.

The source said Obanikoro however maintained that part of the cash was used to ward off Boko Haram aggression in Lagos and in the Southwest.

The source added: “He told us that he is not the owner of the company in question but introduced the owner, Mr. Kareem Taiwo, to the NSA, Mr. Sambo Dasuki, when the threat of Boko Haram became more visible in Lagos.

He said the government wanted to “incorporate local  input into the intelligence gathering and prevention of terrorist attack on Lagos and the Southwest”.

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

The company, which was incorporated in November 2011, has the following as its directors: the ex-Minister’s aide, Ikenna Ezekwe(700,000 shares) of 51 Simpson Street, Ebute-Metta; Idowu Oshodi(299,000 shares) of 8, Prince Tayo Adesanya Street, Park View Estate, Ikoyi; and Elizabeth Adebiyi(1,000 shares) of 3, Adedoyin Street, Ijeshatedo, Surulere.

Ezekwe has had his accounts defrozen by the EFCC since the slush funds were not traced to him.

The Nation stumbled on a document on the investigation. t states: “To set the stage for the use of the company for money laundering, the board of directors on May 7, 2012  passed a resolution that the company should open an account and appointed Mr. Gbolahan Obanikoro, Ikenna Ezekwe, Ms. Theresa Matuluko (Secretary) and Mr. Babajide Obanikoro as the signatories to the account.

“The board added that the signing combination be that any of the signatories can sign alone.”

According to EFCC, when it was time to draw the N4.745billion from ONSA as a war chest for the Ekiti governorship poll, ex-Minister Obanikoro made the account of Sylvan Mcnamara Limited available and coordinated the disbursement.

The breakdown of the disbursement is as follows:

  • N N759, 384, 300 changed into dollars through Bureau de change;
  • N160million used to purchase cars through Balmoral International Limited;
  • N1, 219, 490,000 ferried by Obanikoro in two flights to Akure and received by Fayose’s associate, Abiodun; and
  • balance of about N2billion withdrawn by Obanikoro and his two children in cash.

Some of the bureau de change involved in the transactions and the amounts credited to them include  A.A.G.B.S Oil and Gas  (N168,000,000.00); Sylvan Mcnamara Ltd (N167,500,000.00); Northline Ltd (N835,000.00);  Northline Ltd (N83,750,000.00); Five Star Ltd N(37,600,000.00); A.B.A Trading Ent (N268,301,500.00); Villagolf Bureau De Change (N1,425,000.00); Ahmad &Omar (N350,000.000); Northline Ltd  (N1,680,000.00); Northline Limited A (N2,325,300); Rehoboth Homes  (20,000,0000); Northline Ltd (N5,932,500.00); Northline Ltd (N842,500); Northline Ltd (N842,500.00).



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