Obanikoro Reveals Airlifting N1.219 Billion for Fayose’s Election: N6.9 Billion Money Laundering Trial Continues

Obanikoro Reveals Airlifting N1.219 Billion for Fayose’s Election: N6.9 Billion Money Laundering Trial Continues

Written By Oshiobugie Omo-Ikirodah

Introduction: In a startling revelation at the Federal High Court, Abuja, former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, shed light on the circumstances surrounding the airlifting of N1.219 billion cash to former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose. The revelations unfolded during the ongoing trial of Fayose and his firm, Spotless Investment Limited, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for their alleged involvement in N6.9 billion money laundering.

Background: Obanikoro detailed the events leading up to the airlift, citing the inability of the defunct commercial bank, Diamond Bank, to disburse substantial sums of money for the Ekiti governorship election.

The Source of Funds: When questioned by prosecution counsel, Wahab Shittu, SAN, about the source of the N1.219 billion, Obanikoro stated that he received the information from the former National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki (retd). Dasuki informed him that the money had been paid into the account of Sylvan Mcnamara Ltd.

Election Fundraising Activities: Obanikoro, who served as a minister under the Jonathan administration in 2014, highlighted the election fundraising activities leading to the Ekiti State election. He received a call from Governor Fayose, inquiring about a message from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). The former NSA, Dasuki, informed Obanikoro that N2.2 billion had been paid into Sylvan Mcnamara Ltd’s account.

Airlifting the Funds: Facing challenges with Diamond Bank’s capacity to disburse the funds, Obanikoro, along with his ADC and security orderly, decided to airlift the money. The funds were transported from Lagos to Ekiti in two tranches due to the volume.

Safe Delivery to Fayose: Obanikoro recounted handing over the N1.219 billion in cash to Mr. Agbele for onward delivery to Fayose. He vehemently denied taking any money or N19 million, contrary to claims by a Lagos-based online platform.

Purpose of the Funds: Under questioning, Obanikoro clarified that the funds were intended for the Ekiti election and originated from Diamond Bank. He emphasized that N1.219 billion was moved from Diamond Bank out of the N2.2 billion.

Aircraft Airlift: The former minister explained that Diamond Bank in Ado Ekiti lacked the capacity to disburse the funds, leading to the decision to airlift the money. Two aircraft were employed for the operation, with Obanikoro personally overseeing one of the flights.

Conclusion: As the trial continues, these revelations offer a glimpse into the complex web of financial activities surrounding political campaigns. The court adjourned the matter to February 27, 2024, for the continuation of the trial, with further scrutiny expected on the intricacies of the funds’ source and purpose.

Source: Bushradiogist