The trial of ex-Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose commenced on Monday with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, calling witnesses.
The former Governor is charged with N1.2 billion fraud, a sum he is said to have received from the Office of the National Security Adviser, NSA in 2015.
He had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The former Governor was earlier arraigned on October 22 alongside his company, Spotless Investment Ltd on 11 counts.
Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, the lead Counsel for the EFCC, on Monday, called on first prosecution witness, Lawrence Akande, a banker.
Akande, who is the first witness to enter the box, told the court that in June 2014, he was called by one Abiodun Agbele, who informed him that he had about N1.2 billion cash lodgement to make in Akure.
The witness told the court that afterwards, he also received a call from Fayose on the same issue.
He added that since the lodgement was in Akure, he placed a call across to his colleague in Akure to follow up same.
“This is all I know on this issue,” he said.
Asked if he knew the second accused, (Spotless Ltd), he replied that the company is a customer of his bank with an account at Dugbe branch in Ibadan.
The prosecutor then showed the witness some account opening document of Spotless Nig. Ltd, De Privateer Ltd, Still Earth Ltd as well as account document of first accused.
Being cross-examined by defence counsel, Kalu Agabi SAN, he said that he only made mention of Fayose in his subsequent statements.
Also during cross-examination by second defence counsel, Olalekan Ojo SAN, the witness told the court that he had worked in the banking sector for 28 years.
He confirmed to the court that a person who is not a signatory to an account cannot make withdrawals from such account.
Akabde said there are withdrawal limits in every account and where withdrawals are to be made above the stipulated limits, it is reported to the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) to investigate such transaction.
EFCC then called its second witness, Mr Abiodun Oshodi.
- Daily Post
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