Connect with us

FEATURED

Court Hears How Atiku’s Spokesman, Okupe Received N702m Windfall From Dasuki

Published

on





The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, February 27, 2019, opened its case against a former Senior Special Assistant to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Doyin Okupe, who is being prosecuted before Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court, Abuja for allegedly collecting money from the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA for doing nothing.

This was contained in a statement by head, media and publicity at the EFCC, Tony Orilade and obtained by BIGPEN NIGERIA.

Okupe was arraigned on a 59-count charge bordering on money laundering, criminal diversion of funds 0to the tune of N702,000,000 (Seven Hundred and Two Million Naira) only.

Advertisement

The first prosecution witness, Osas Azonabor, an operative of the Commission, while being led in evidence by Counsel to the EFCC, Ibrahim Audu, told the court that sometime in 2016, the EFCC got an intelligence that some individuals were paid by the ONSA for doing nothing, adding that when investigations began, it was realised that one of the beneficiaries was Okupe, who is the first defendant.

Azonabor told the court that the EFCC wrote to the ONSA, demanding the vouchers of the payments made to Okupe.

According to him, after analysing the payment vouchers, it was realised that cash payment of N50 million, was made into Okupe’s account, as stated in the voucher of April 8, 2014.

Advertisement

He also stated that another cash payment of N6million was found to have been made to Okupe on April 2, 2014.

He explained that there were series of payment in multiples of N10 million that was made to Okupe between 2012 to 2014.

The witness further told the court that EFCC’s investigation found the sum of N50million paid into Zenith Bank account of Value Trust Investment Limited, which Okupe is a director, adding that another N35 million was paid into the account of Abraham Telecoms Nig Limited, in which Okupe is a signatory.

Advertisement

“He told us he was the Senior Special Assistant to former President Goodluck Jonathan from 2012 and was placed on a monthly salary of N835, 000, paid to him by the SGF”, Azonabor said.

“Okupe said he was paid N10 million monthly for 24 months by ONSA and that the money was reduced to N5million monthly from January 2015 to May 2015”.

“Okupe said the money was for special services and when asked to elaborate what he meant by ‘special services’, Okupe said part of the money was used to sponsor ‘Insight’, a programme on NTA”.  In the course of investigation, Okupe submitted a budget proposal by NTA to EFCC.

Advertisement

However, the witness said when a letter was written to the TV station to confirm the authenticity of the document that emanated from the station, “NTA agreed that the document emanated from them”. Adding, “We also got a follow up letter from the NTA that the programme, ‘Insight’, was later aired free-of-charge as directed by the then Director General of NTA who accepted the programme as part of the station’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

The witness further informed the court that Okupe claimed that part of the money collected from ONSA was used to pay workers, but when asked to show proof of payment he only brought a list of names on written piece of paper and also a typed paper.

“There was no payment voucher, receipt or pay slip to show evidence of payment and when we asked him to produce staff he paid to, he couldn’t produce any”, Azonabor said.

Advertisement

However, Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) documents of the Value Trust Investment Ltd and Abraham Telecoms Nig Ltd, and a letter of response from ONSA to the EFCC Acting Chairman and statements of the defendants were all admitted in evidence.

After hearing the case, the Judge adjourned the case to February 28, 2019, for cross examination and presentation of other witnesses.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Click to comment
COMMUNITY REPORT2 hours ago

Historic 71-Year Campaign for Anioma State Gains Momentum at Public Hearing as Delta North Monarchs Urge Justice and Action

COMMUNITY REPORT10 hours ago

Isoko South Chair Urges Trainees of ‘More Cap-Up’ Scheme to Make Judicious Use of Starter Packs

FEATURED12 hours ago

Constitutional Review: Stakeholders Unanimously Demand, Submit Memoranda for Creation of Anioma State from Delta

FEATURED13 hours ago

Wike Bombs Amaechi, Accuses His Wife of Fleecing NDDC Funds, Calls Tinubu to Release Forensic Audit Report

Delta Politician
COMMUNITY REPORT16 hours ago

NUJ Warri Lauds Tompolo, Other Benefactors, Tasks Delta Govt on Eburu Street Road Repair

OPINION1 day ago

ANIOMA STATE CREATION: ANOTHER FEATHER IN NWOKO’s CAP

FEATURED1 day ago

Chevron’s Boss Calls for Pragmatic Approach to the Future of Energy at NOG 2025

FEATURED2 days ago

DELTA CENTRAL 2027: WHAT URHOBO NATION NEEDS IS A SMART AND WORKING SENATOR, NOT AN OKPE-SLOT FILLER

FEATURED2 days ago

NEPC Forthcoming Promotion Exam: No Breach of Civil Service Rules – Official Dismisses Report of Nepotism

ENTERTAINMENT2 days ago

CEO of Rero TV Announces 5th Anniversary Celebration for Sapele

FEATURED2 days ago

Suspected Cultists Arrested as Police Recover Pistol, Stolen Vehicle in Delta

Senate
FEATURED2 days ago

Expectations High as Public Hearing on Anioma State Creation Begins on Friday

FEATURED2 days ago

Former President Buhari Falls Sick, Undergoes Treatment in London Hospital

FEATURED2 days ago

2027: It’ll be Political Alchemy to Replace Ned Nwoko

FEATURED3 days ago

Legal Fireworks as 15 Lawyers Defend Udu NBA Chair in Fundamental Suit Challenging Whatsapp Platform’s Removal

Advertisement
Advertisement