Embattled former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, has reportedly refunded N100.4 million out of the N785 million a company, Sylvan McNamara limited linked to him, received from the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.
The Nation reports that Obanikoro who has been in EFCC custody since October 19th, may be released after the N100.4 million he refunded has been confirmed by the antigraft agency.
An EFCC operative who spoke on condition of anonymity 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.”
Sebastian at 3 years old
