Former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, disclosed in court on Wednesday that N1.219 billion in cash was airlifted to ex-Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose for the 2014 election.
Fayose, along with his firm Spotless Investment Limited, is currently facing trial for alleged involvement in N6.9 billion money laundering.
During the court proceedings, prosecution counsel Wahab Shittu (SAN) questioned Obanikoro about the source of the funds.
Obanikoro stated that he did not know the source and received the information from the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col Sambo Dasuki (retd). According to Obanikoro, Dasuki informed him that the money had been paid into the account of Sylvan Mcnamara Ltd.
In his testimony, Obanikoro explained that in 2014, as a minister under Jonathan’s administration, he was responsible for coordinating activities for the Ekiti State election.
He received a call from Governor Fayose inquiring about a message from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). Prior to this, fundraising activities had taken place for the election.
Fayose asked if Obanikoro received any message from ONSA, prompting a phone conversation between Obanikoro and the NSA. The NSA informed Obanikoro that N2.2 billion was paid into Sylvan Mcnamara Ltd.’s account.
Obanikoro, unable to vouch for the source, handed over N1.219 million in cash to Fayose’s associate, Agbele, for delivery to Fayose.
When questioned about Sylvan Mcnamara Ltd., Obanikoro stated that the account was created to address Boko Haram issues in Lagos and was later used to disburse funds for elections.
The funds, airlifted from Lagos in two tranches due to capacity constraints, were meant for the Ekiti election and originated from Diamond Bank.
The trial is ongoing, and Justice Dimgba adjourned the matter to February 27, 2024, for the continuation of proceedings.
