The currently detained former Minister of State (Defence) Musiliu 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. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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Fayose, with all your mouth making, over to you
ReplyDeleteAlmost everyone in this country is a liar. I know Fayose will still come and deny this. Ha ba! This country needs deliverance and revival.
ReplyDeleteIf all these we have been reading on media about billions of naira and dollar being stolen are true, then something is really wrong in Nigerian government officials, nobody comes there to serve but steal in style, making life difficult for the masses, the rich are getting richer while the poor and getting poorer, creating avenue for corruption of different categories, Nigerians are being referred as the most corrupt country in the world, what a shame
ReplyDeleteMy brother it's true cos EFCC and DSS have very strong evidence against all these people. Dokpesi was among them and quickly cooperate. Only those ones wey get strong head we dey hear their names. Remember Olisa Metuh??
DeleteIf all these we have been reading on media about billions of naira and dollar being stolen are true, then something is really wrong in Nigerian government officials, nobody comes there to serve but steal in style, making life difficult for the masses, the rich are getting richer while the poor and getting poorer, creating avenue for corruption of different categories, Nigerians are being referred as the most corrupt country in the world, what a shame
ReplyDeleteAnd this idiot governor called fayose is making noise every day to cover up.
ReplyDeleteI want to see and hear how fayose will denied this allegation.
If you have no skeleton in your cupboard no need any fear.
Once his tenure is over he will be called for questioning.
All those supporting him should be prepared to carry their wigs in readiness for his defense. Justice can only be delayed but can never be denied.
Waiting for the comments of the wailing wailers. At last EFCC is vindicated.
ReplyDeleteOkay. Agbada don dey hook for fence oh. This story looks to good to be true oh. Am sure we will certainly hear more of this.
ReplyDeleteAnd what is wrong with sourcing funds to ward off boko haram in the south west? Is the south west not part of Nigeria or is the grouse that boko haram was prevented from unleashing their Islamic agenda on the peaceful people of the south west? Nobody is talking of billions used in cutting grass in the IDP camp in the north nor the N500 million Naira bribe taken by the president,s chief of staff from mtn whose beneficiaries have not been made.
ReplyDeleteyou are right by saying nothing is wrong in warding-off boko haram activities in lagos but the question is if it was meant for the purpose, what was Fayose's role that such huge amount was given to him. Please let us be reasonable for once bcos these people will go and leave the coming generation to suffer and pay for their attrocities. ONCE AGAIN BE REASONABLE BEFORE COMMENTING AS YOUR FUTURE IS IN DANGER IF THESE THINGS ARE NOT CURBED
DeleteJust Wait and be noting it. When your party wins, let them start with that. For now, we are talking about Obanikoro's confessions. So stick to the point.
DeleteVery senseless and baseless comment by anonymous 6:39. And have you asked as to how exactly Obanikoro expended billions in defending the West from the infiltration of the boko harams? You must be one of those that have benefited from him 'cos of your closeness to him. Our money must be recovered!
DeleteKJoe
Confession b4 confession!
ReplyDeleteThank you Obanikoro for have cooperated to this level but Fayose has been denying all these before your arrival so how do we reconcile this with him now that you are back? Don't allow him to spoil your reputable tell Nigerian the way forward as to get those monies back to the federated account.Clemo
ReplyDelete@ ANONYMOUS 6:39 .YOU are right by saying nothing is wrong in warding-off boko haram activities in lagos but the question is if it was meant for the purpose, what was Fayose's role that such huge amount was given to him. Please let us be reasonable for once bcos these people will go and leave the coming generation to suffer and pay for their attrocities. ONCE AGAIN BE REASONABLE BEFORE COMMENTING AS YOUR FUTURE IS IN DANGER IF THESE THINGS ARE NOT CURBED
ReplyDeleteObanikoro vs Fayose; Act 1 Scene 1
ReplyDeletel think Obanikoro is yielding to the advise of his lawyer by saying the truth with all the evidence against him.
ReplyDeleteThat is why his lawyer wrote and commending EFCC on their maturity and professionalism on handling Obanikoro.
Now, l wonder how Fayose will face Obanikoro and tell him it is not true
Why are Nigerians giving a thought to fayose? From the way the guy has been running his mouth on every issue that didn't concern him, that should have give every discerning mind a clue that he (fayose) have a skeleton in his cupboard. I hope the ekiti people do needful in the next governorship election. Shalon.
ReplyDeleteWhy is Obanikoro witch-Hunting Fayose? LOL
ReplyDeleteNobody is a saint,even our president Chief of the Army staff all the senators remember the burger padding nobody is talking of that any more our ministers they are all corrupt buhari admit that Nigerians are fatanstically corrupt so tell me who is free? I pray for revolution.
ReplyDeleteThe question should be.. dem tief abi dem no tief?
ReplyDeleteAll thieves, Fayose O leeeeeeeee
ReplyDeleteRight from here,the federal government suppose to declare state of emergency in Ekiti so that the court can have full time to verify all these confessional statement by Obanikoro to clear Fayose.Fayose just stole somebody's mandate with the help of Oga Jonathan and Obanikoro all of you will suffer for this by paying back in cash and kind.Clemo.
ReplyDeleteIt's surprising that someone could still be in support of the madness in the midst of these called leaders who are nothing but armed robbers.. I pray it won't be too late before we all take our destiny unto our hands and flush all these bastards away.... Fayose... I think you should be smarter now because of what ended your 1st regime was this act of your stealing... here you are again... Nemesis will haunt you totally now... come to think of it where did you put or hide your wife with whom you were deceiving Nigerians with your live coverage of Your Prayers to god but not God then? Have you assigned her to your kitchen or other room? That is your choice.... but see what will end you if you don't have a rethink With fanikayode... who was always dwelling at Trem then at Akoka.... you will all reap it hard be assured. Thieves
ReplyDeleteYoruba vs Yoruba. Cowards!
ReplyDeleteREALLY FAYOSHAME!
ReplyDeleteNIGERIA MUST BE RID OF THIS INFESTATION SOON. PRESIDENT BUHARI, THANKS FOR COMING & MAY THE GOOD GOD KEEP YOU FOR TOMORROW'S BATTLE TILL VICTORY IS WON FOR ALL NIGERIANS.