A former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, has testified before the Federal High Court in Abuja that he delivered N1.2 billion in cash to the former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, for his election campaign in 2014.
Obanikoro, who was cross-examined by the prosecution counsel, Wahab Shittu, on Wednesday, said he received the money from the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, who did not disclose the source of the funds.
He said he was assigned by the former president, Goodluck Jonathan, to coordinate the activities for the Ekiti governorship election, and that Fayose had contacted him about the funds from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Obanikoro said he confirmed with Dasuki that N2.2 billion had been paid into the account of Sylvan Mcnamara Ltd, a company owned by his sons, and that he instructed the bank manager to transfer N1.2 billion to Fayose’s associate, Abiodun Agbele.
He said he did not know the purpose of the remaining N1 billion, and that he did not take any money or N19 million for himself, as alleged by an online platform.
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He said he flew to Ekiti with the cash in two batches, because Diamond Bank could not disburse the money in Lagos. He said he met Agbele at the airport, and handed over the money to him, with the assistance of his security aides and a top aide of Fayose.
He said he did not witness how the money was spent by Fayose, who is facing trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly laundering N6.9 billion.
The trial judge, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba, adjourned the case to February 27, 2024, for further hearing.