Witness Testifies to Delivering Campaign Cash in Fayose Alleged Money Laundery Case

A former defense minister disclosed airlifting ₦1.219 billion cash to a bank manager for delivery to an ex-governor during testimony in an ongoing corruption trial.

Musiliu Obanikoro told a Federal High Court that he received the funds from the then NSA Sambo Dasuki in 2014 per the governor’s request ahead of an election. He stated the account was meant for Boko Haram matters in Lagos but funded campaigning in Ekiti instead.

The witness denied keeping ₦19m himself as alleged, transferring the money in two flights as one aircraft could not carry the full amount. His testimony refers to accusations against ex-governor Ayodele Fayose and his company currently facing the EFCC over alleged money laundering of ₦6.9 billion.

Obanikoro explained his role handing the cash to a bank manager for onward delivery, as the case was adjourned to February 2024 for the trial to continue. His statements provide insights into issues being investigated regarding movement and appropriation of large sums in the pre-electoral period.