Money laundering allegations: “We airlifted N1.219 billion to Fayose for the 2014 election,” claimed Obanikoro

November 30, 2023 Joshua Samuel

On Wednesday, Musiliu Obanikoro, the former state minister for defense, said that during the 2014 election, N1.219 billion in cash was airlifted to Ayodele Fayose, the former governor of Ekiti state.

According to Wakenews, Fayose and his business, Spotless Investment Limited, are being tried by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly participating in the money laundering of N6.9 billion.

Obanikoro testified on behalf of the EFCC before Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday. He claimed to have received the funds from Sambo Dasuki, a former National Security Adviser (NSA).

“Under Jonathan’s leadership, I was a minister. We were going to have elections in Ekiti State at some point in 2014. Governor Fayose called me a few days prior to the election and asked if I had any messages for him from ONSA. I assured him I would give him a call later.

“After that, I spoke with the NSA over the phone, and he informed me that N2.2 billion had been deposited into the Sylvan Mcnamara Ltd account.” And I gave the bank manager, Mr. Agbele, the N1.219 billion cash to be delivered to Fayose. In contrast to what an online journal with its headquarters in Lagos said, I did not accept N19 million.

“The account was created to deal with the issue of Boko Haram in Lagos,” Obanikoro said in response to a question concerning his affiliation with Sylvan Mcnamara Ltd.

“The aircraft could not hold the funds, so we airlifted them from Lagos in two tranches.” The case was postponed by Justice Dimgba until February 27, 2024, so that the trial may continue.

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Joshua Samuel

A conscientious writer with a knack and passion for story telling which spans across different sectors and segments. I love telling stories in writing and bringing quality, authentic and timely information to everyone everywhere.

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