The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
investigation into the alleged diversion of $2.1bn meant for arms procurement
under the immediate past administration of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has to the two
sons of former Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro.
It was gathered that the team of EFCC investigators had
traced the sum of N4.75bn to the account of Silva McNamara Limited with Diamond
Bank with links to the family of the former minister. The company allegedly has
two sons of the former minister on its board.
The names of the relatives on the company’s board are
Gbolahan Obanikoro and Babajide Obanikoro. It was stated that the duo were on
the board of the company till 2014 when one Olalekan Ogunseye became the sole
signatory to the company’s account.
Investigations revealed that the funds were paid into the
McNamara account from the Central Bank of Nigeria Imprest Account of the
National Security adviser between June 6, 2014 and December, 12, 2015.
The breakdown of the lodgments of funds into the account
during the six months period revealed that N200m was paid into the account on
June 6, 2014; N2bn on June 16, 2014; N60m on July 6, 2014 and N7, 000m on July
7, 2014.
Other lodgements into the account within the period include
the payment of N1bn on July 30, 2014; N160m on August 8, 2014; N225m on August
22, 2014; N200m on November, 14, 2014 and N200m on December, 5, 2014.
The source said to Punch that the commission was probing the payment
of N4.75bn to McNamara because the funds were released without any contractual
evidence.
It was however stated that Obanikoro’s name was not found in
the transactions as he was not on the board of the company. It was stated that
efforts are being made to unravel the mystery behind the payment of the large
amount of money to the company which has two of his sons as members of the
board of directors.
A media aide to Obanikoro, Mr. Jonathan Eze, denied
allegations that the former minister was involved in any fraud. He said, “As
far as Senator Obanikoro is concerned, these are mere allegations that have not
been proven and can never be proved. The former minister insists that his
children were never directors at the company and were never signatories.
“These allegations are the handiwork of Sahara
Reporters and I have taken them to court. Very soon, the truth will be
made known but I urge members of the public not to believe these allegations.
Senator Obanikoro’s children are victims of cheap politics but the truth will
be revealed.”
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