Introduction
A former cashier at the Zenith Bank, Ado-Ekiti branch named Sunday Alade testified on the 22nd of February 2021 before the Federal High Court in Lagos about how a former governor of Ekiti State named Ayodele Fayose and a company named Spotless Limited received N1.2 billion from the Office of the National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki. Sunday Alade worked at the Zenith Bank, Ado-Ekiti branch.
The N2.2 billion fraud lawsuit that is being brought against Fayose was initiated in 2018, and it has been proceeding ever since.
The Charges or Accusations
In the run-up to the governorship race in Ekiti State in 2014, it was reported that Fayose got the sum of N1.2 billion from the Office of the National Security Advisor, Sambo Dasuki, through Sylvan Mcnamara Ltd, a firm owned by Obanikoro. In addition, according to the allegations made by the EFCC, Fayose used some of the money to buy a property in Abuja as well as another one in Lagos.
The Testimony of the Witnesses
Sunday In his statement before the court, Alade, who was the 11th prosecution witness, revealed that he personally paid the sum of N1.2 billion to Fayose and Spotless Ltd. Alade was the witness for the prosecution. Alade, who was led in evidence by the EFCC counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), stated that he made two separate payments of N600m each to the two parties while the then Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, and one Abiodun Agbele were present. Alade was led in evidence by the EFCC counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN).
Alade continued by saying that the money was flown to Ado Ekiti and that he was tasked with ensuring that it was paid out in cash. He said that he was given the instruction to carry out this task. According to him, the payments were made in two separate installments, each worth N300 million, and they were entered into the system with the code term “special services.”
He further indicated that Agbele signed for the money on behalf of Fayose, and that he signed for Spotless Limited. He said that he was the one who signed for Spotless Limited.
Alade disclosed more evidence, including the fact that he was later asked by the EFCC to submit a statement regarding the transactions, and that he voluntarily provided the agency with all of the pertinent information that was sought of him by the organisation.
Fayose’s Defense
On the other hand, Fayose has never wavered in his denial of the allegations levelled against him, maintaining that the claims were driven by political motivation. He claims that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is targeting him for his outspoken opposition to the All Progressives Congress (APC) government that is now in power.
Fayose’s attorney, Mr. Ola Olanipekun (SAN), has stated that the EFCC’s case is based on hearsay and that the EFCC has failed to give any tangible proof to back their charges. He has also contended that the EFCC has failed to produce any evidence to support its allegations.
Conclusion
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is actively investigating and prosecuting multiple instances of corruption, including the N2.2 billion fraud case against Fayose and Spotless Ltd. The legal proceeding has been going on for a number of years and has been the source of a great deal of controversy due to the fact that both sides have levelled accusations and counter-accusations.
The testimony of Sunday Alade is an important milestone in the case since it gives the EFCC with additional evidence to back their charges. This is an important development. On the other hand, it is now unknown how the situation will be settled in the end and whether or not Fayose will be found guilty of the allegations that have been brought against him.
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