A top source in the EFCC, who spoke in
confidence, said: “After many days of foot-dragging, the ex-Minister has paid
back N100.4million out of about N785million allegedly collected from the Office
of National Security Adviser (ONSA)
by Sylvan McNamara Limited, a company which was allegedly linked to him.
“I think we may grant him bail to give him
time to look
for the balance of the cash. We are trying to
verify the government account he paid into and we want to confirm the payment.
We may release him any moment from now after the confirmation.
“This, however, does not mean that we are
dropping any charges against him. Our objective is first of all to recover the
illegal funds. The decision on his trial will depend on the review of his case
and the extent to which he is liable.
“You know the ex-Minister has admitted flying
over N1.299billion to Akure in two shuttles for Governor Ayodele Fayose. The
cash was collected by Fayose’s associate, Abiodun Agbele, who is currently on
trial.
“Obanikoro also confessed that he personally
gave $5.377m (N60m then) cash to Fayose.
He admitted on oath that he was used to siphon public funds meant for
arms purchase. These are all criminal offences which are punishable by the
nation’s laws.
“The testimonies of Obanikoro will hasten his
trial and ongoing prosecution of all the suspects implicated in the arms cash.”
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