Former Ekiti Governor Fayose’s N6.9bn Fraud Trial: Key Witness Testifies on NSA Office Payments

Governor Fayose Fraud Trial: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) continues its prosecution of former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, and his company, Spotless Investment Limited, in a high-profile fraud case. The defendants face an 11-count charge of money laundering and stealing, involving a substantial sum of N6.9 billion.

The case, which began on October 22, 2018, saw a re-arraignment on July 2, 2019, before Justice Chukujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos. This long-running legal battle has captured public attention due to the significant amount involved and the political stature of the primary defendant.

Key Witness Takes the Stand in the fraud trial of formal Governor Fayose

On Friday, July 19, 2024, the EFCC presented its 14th prosecution witness, Sahibu Salisu, a former Director of Administration and Finance in the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA). Salisu’s testimony is crucial to the case, as he provides insight into the financial operations of the NSA office during the period in question.

Led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, Salisu explained his role and responsibilities during his tenure from 2011 to 2015. His testimony sheds light on the payment processes within the NSA office and the alleged transfer of funds to Sylvan MacNamara, a company at the center of the investigation.

Details of the Alleged Payments

Salisu’s testimony revealed two significant payments made to Sylvan MacNamara on the instructions of former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd). The first payment, amounting to N200 million, was followed by a more substantial transfer of N2 billion.

The witness explained the payment process, stating that once the NSA gave approval, the funds were processed accordingly. He emphasized that payments from the NSA office were primarily for operational activities related to national security. Salisu also presented payment vouchers and mandates as evidence, which were admitted by the court.

Purpose and Retirement of Funds

A key point in Salisu’s testimony was the stated purpose of the payments. While he claimed that all expenditures from the NSA office were expected to be for security purposes, he admitted that the specific reasons for these particular transfers were not disclosed to him by the former NSA.

The witness also touched upon the issue of fund retirement, explaining that recipients of such payments were expected to provide receipts and memos detailing the use of the funds. However, Salisu stated that up until his departure from the office, he could not confirm whether the N200 million and N2 billion payments to Sylvan MacNamara had been properly retired.

Cross-Examination and Defense Strategies

During cross-examination by the defense counsels, Ola Olanipekun, SAN, and Olalekan Ojo, SAN, Salisu provided additional context to his testimony. He confirmed that all payments were made through banks and required proper mandates. The witness also acknowledged his familiarity with financial regulations but clarified that his duties did not extend to security matters.

The defense teams’ questioning appeared to focus on establishing the routine nature of the payments and the limitations of Salisu’s knowledge regarding the specific use of the funds. They also sought to highlight that the NSA’s instructions were never questioned within the office.

Former Ekiti Governor Fayose’s Travel Request Granted

In a separate development during the trial, formal Governor Fayose’s counsel, Ola Olanipekun, SAN, made an application for his client to travel abroad for medical reasons. The prosecution did not object to this request, and Justice Aneke subsequently granted permission for the former governor to leave the country for a medical check-up.

This decision demonstrates the court’s consideration of the defendant’s health concerns while balancing the need to ensure his availability for future trial dates. The granting of such requests is not uncommon in high-profile cases, provided that the defendant adheres to any conditions set by the court.

Looking Ahead: Next Steps in the Trial of formal Governor Fayose

As the trial progresses, the testimony of Sahibu Salisu adds another layer to the complex narrative surrounding the alleged N6.9 billion fraud. The court has adjourned the case to October 18, 2024, for the continuation of the trial, indicating that there are likely more witnesses to be called and evidence to be presented.

The coming months will be crucial for both the prosecution and defense as they continue to build their respective cases. The outcome of this trial could have significant implications not only for formal Governor Fayose and his co-defendant but also for the broader fight against corruption in Nigeria’s political sphere.