How We Airlifted N1.219bn to Fayose for 2014 Election, Obanikoro Reveals

Former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, took the stand as a witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday. Obanikoro detailed how he airlifted N1.219 billion in cash to Ayodele Fayose, the former governor of Ekiti state, for the 2014 election.

Obanikoro, who served under Jonathan’s administration, explained that the funds were received from Sambo Dasuki, the former National Security Adviser, as instructed by Fayose. The ex-minister clarified that he wasn’t aware of the funds’ source and emphasized that only the NSA could explain it.

The transaction involved the creation of an account, Sylvan Mcnamara Ltd, linked to dealing with Boko Haram issues in Lagos. Obanikoro, denying allegations of personal gains, stated, “I did not take any money or N19 million.”

The logistics of delivering the funds were intricate, with Diamond Bank expressing incapacity to handle the amount. Consequently, the funds were airlifted in two tranches from Lagos using two aircraft. Obanikoro, accompanied by his ADC and security orderly, ensured the safe delivery of the money to Fayose through his aide, Agbele.

The presiding judge, Nnamdi Dimgba, adjourned the trial to February 27, 2024, marking another chapter in the ongoing legal saga. Ayodele Fayose faces charges of alleged involvement in N6.9 billion money laundering, alongside his company, Spotless Investment Limited.