Lagos, Oct. 17, 2024 (TheGavel) – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday called its 15th witness in the ongoing trial of former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, who faces charges of alleged money laundering and fraud amounting to N6.9 billion.
During the session at a Federal High Court in Lagos, the witness, Mr. Joseph Machleb, was led in testimony by EFCC’s lead prosecutor, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN). Machleb, who spoke through an interpreter as he was not fluent in English, explained that he resides in Akure, Ondo State, and works as a mechanic with Samchase Nigeria Ltd., a construction company.
Machleb confirmed knowing JJ Technical Services Ltd., a company he co-founded with his elder brother. He testified that the company had been handed over to one Azeez Michelle, who was tasked with securing contracts for the firm. However, when asked whether he was aware of Michelle’s involvement in purchasing properties on behalf of the company, Machleb denied any such knowledge.
“I didn’t authorise Michelle to buy property; I only told him to look for contracts for the company,” Machleb told the court.
Under cross-examination by Fayose’s defense counsel, Mr. Olalekan Ojo (SAN), Machleb admitted that he had signed documents authorizing Michelle to act on behalf of the company, including signing contracts and executing transactions. When shown a document dated Nov. 20, 2013, as part of the evidence, Machleb recognized his signature but maintained he was unaware of Michelle’s other dealings.
The witness also stated that his company, JJ Technical Services, had not had any direct dealings with Fayose, either during his time as governor or at any other point. When asked if Fayose had ever visited his family in Lebanon, Machleb responded, “I don’t know.”
Fayose, who served as Ekiti State Governor from 2014 to 2018, is facing multiple charges related to alleged fraud and money laundering. The EFCC alleges that he, along with his associate, Abiodun Agbele, took possession of N1.2 billion to fund his gubernatorial campaign in 2014, money said to be part of proceeds from illegal activities.
In addition, Fayose is accused of receiving a $5 million cash payment from then-Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, without passing through a financial institution, in violation of Nigeria’s anti-money laundering laws. He also allegedly retained N300 million in his bank account, controlled a total of N622 million in criminal proceeds, and used N1.6 billion to acquire properties in Lagos and Abuja.
The EFCC further claims that Fayose used N200 million from these crime proceeds to purchase property in Abuja in the name of his sister, Moji Oladeji.
Fayose, who was first arraigned on Oct. 22, 2018, alongside his company, Spotless Investment Ltd., pleaded not guilty to all charges and was granted bail in the sum of N50 million with sureties. The case was re-assigned to Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke after it was withdrawn from Justice Mojisola Olatoregun, following a petition by the EFCC.
The trial will continue on Oct. 18, 2024, with further examination of witnesses and evidence.(NAN)
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