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Alleged fraud: EFCC calls 15th witness in Fayose’s trial
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Thursday, called its 15th witness in the money laundering trial of a former Governor of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose.
The witness, Mr Joseph Machleb, was led in examination by the prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN).
In his examination in chief, on Thursday, the witness who is not fluent in the English language told the court that he lived in Akure, Ondo State.
He told the court that he works for a construction company known as Samchase Nigeria Ltd., as a mechanic.
When asked if he knew a company called JJ Technical Services Ltd., he answered Yes.
He told the court that the company was jointly incorporated by himself and his elder brother.
He also told the court that they handed over the company to one Azeez Michelle to solicit contracts for the company.
When quizzed on whether the company was involved in buying of property, he said, “I don’t know anything about that.
“I didn’t authorise Michelle to buy property; I only told him to look for contracts for the company.”
During cross examination by the defence counsel, Mr Olalekan Ojo (SAN), the witness told the court that he did not authorise in writing, one Azeez Michelle to execute any transaction for the company, JJ technical Services.
Ojo then asked: “If I give you any document that shows you authorised the same, will you remember?”
The witness replied: “Maybe, I will.”
Ojo then applied that a document dated Nov. 20, 2013, be shown to the witness for purposes of refreshing his memory pursuant to the provisions of Section 239 of the Evidence Act.
The prosecutor did not object.
When shown the document, the witness identified his signature and admitted signing the same.
The defence counsel tendered the evidence before the court and it was admitted and marked as Exhibit A20.
On further cross examination by Ojo, the witness told the court that JJ Technical Services authorised the said Azeez Michelle to sign and execute documents, letters and instructions on behalf of the company.
When asked if he knew whether on the strength of Exhibit A20, Michelle executed many transactions on behalf of the company, the witness replied: ‘No, I don’t know.”
The defence counsel called for Exhibit MM1 and 2 and asked the witness if it was the first time he was seeing the documents.
The witness replied: “After these issues come up.”
He added that he did not receive any document, adding that his brother only called to inform him that there was a problem in the company.
Ojo then asked: “When your brother told you that there was a problem in the company, you were worried and wanted your company to be out of any problem”?
The witness replied : “of course.”
The witness also confirmed to the court as suggested by the defence counsel that his company executes its businesses or duties in a legitimate manner.
He also told the court that his company never wrote any letter or memo to the said Michelle to find out if he knew anything about the documents MM1 and 2.
Ojo asked the witness to look at the first defendant in the dock and tell the court if he had seen him before.
The witness replied : “Yes, I see him on TV.”
He also confirmed having knowledge of Fayose being a former governor of Ekiti.
The defence counsel then asked: “I suggest to you that both you and your company had no business with him during his tenure as governor.”
The witness replied : “No, I never, J J never.”
When asked if the defendant had ever visited his family in Lebanon, the witness replied: “I don’t know.”
When asked if Michelle had been reporting to him about activities carried out with respect to the document, the witness said no.
The witness also denied knowing one Biodun Agbele or having any transaction with him.
Ojo then asked the witness if he recalled going to the EFCC and he replied yes.
When asked if the commission had showed him any document in respect of any transaction between his company and the first defendant, or his company and Biodun Agbele, the witness said:
“They just showed me one agreement.”
During cross examination by the first defence counsel, Mr Uchenna Njoku (SAN), the witness confirmed that his company had affirmed Michelle to act for it, based on trust and confidence.
He told the court that till date he had not found any reason to doubt Michelle’s integrity to act for the company.
The court, however, adjourned until Oct. 18 for continuation of trial.
Fayose is being prosecuted by the EFCC over an alleged N6.9 billion fraud and money laundering charges.
He was first arraigned on Oct. 22, 2018, before Justice Mojisola Olatotegun, alongside his company, Spotless Investment Ltd., on 11 counts bordering on fraud and money laundering offences.
He had pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail on Oct. 24, 2018, in the sum of N50 million with sureties in like sum.
The defendant, however, was re-arraigned before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, on July 2, 2019, after the case was withdrawn from Justice Olatoregun, following the EFCC’s petition.
He had also pleaded not guilty to the charges and was allowed to continue on the earlier bail granted, while the case was adjourned for trial.
The commission has since opened its case before Justice Aneke, and is still leading witnesses in evidence.
According to the commission, on June 17, 2014, Fayose and one Abiodun Agbele took possession of N1.2 billion to fund his gubernatorial election campaign in Ekiti.
The commission alleged that the sum formed part of the crime proceeds.
The EFCC has since opened its case before Aneke and is a leading witness in evidence.
According to the commission, on June 17, 2014, Fayose and one Abiodun Agbele took possession of N1.2 billion to fund his gubernatorial election campaign in Ekiti.
The commission alleged that the sum formed part of the crime proceeds.
Fayose was also alleged to have received a cash payment of five million dollars from the then Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, without going through any financial institution.
The EFCC also alleged that the former governor retained N300 million in his bank account and took control of the aggregate sums of about N622 million, which formed part of the crime proceeds.
It added that Fayose procured De Privateer Ltd. and Still Earth Ltd. to retain aggregate sums of N851 million, which formed part of crime proceeds.
The commission also accused Fayose of using about N1.6 billion in crime proceeds to acquire property in Lagos and Abuja.
The former governor also allegedly used N200 million in crime proceeds to acquire a property in Abuja in the name of his elder sister, Moji Oladeji.
The alleged offences contravene Sections 15(1), 15(2), 15(3), 16(2)(b), 16(d), and 18(c) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011. (NAN)
As Christians around the world mark Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called for peace and unity in the country.
Extending warm greetings to all the faithful and people of goodwill across the nation on Palm Sunday, CAN said the sacred occasion invites citizens to reflect deeply on the life and mission of Jesus Christ, whose message of peace, humility, and sacrificial love remains as urgent today as it was over two thousand years ago.
This was contained in a statement released by the Christian body on Sunday, and signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh.
The umbrella body for Christians in Nigeria also strongly condemned the recent wave of brutal killings in Plateau State, particularly the April 4, 2025 attacks that claimed dozens of innocent lives in Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas.
It added that the acts of violence represent not only a gross violation of human dignity and the sanctity of life but also a serious threat to our national unity and peace.
CAN called on the security agencies to act swiftly and decisively in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
The statement read in part, “Palm Sunday commemorates the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, where He was welcomed with palm branches and shouts of “Hosanna!”—a powerful symbol of peace, humility, and hope.
“This moment, recorded in the Gospels (Matthew 21:1–11, Mark 11:1–11, Luke 19:28–44, and John 12:12–19), offers enduring lessons for our nation as we navigate these uncertain and challenging times. These lessons are especially pertinent as we are once again confronted with a painful reminder of the fragility of peace in our land.
“With deep sorrow, CAN strongly condemns the recent wave of brutal killings in Plateau State, particularly the attacks of 4 April 2025, which claimed the lives of dozens of innocent citizens in Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas. These senseless acts of violence represent not only a gross violation of human dignity and the sanctity of life but also a serious threat to our national unity and peace.
“We call on the security agencies to act swiftly and decisively in bringing the perpetrators to justice. We also urge the government—at all levels—to intensify its efforts to secure all communities and prevent further bloodshed. The continued loss of lives in such tragic circumstances is simply unacceptable.
“We stand in solidarity with the bereaved families and the people of Plateau State. May God grant comfort to the grieving, healing to the wounded, and peace to every troubled heart. In times like these, we are reminded that true leadership is most vital when lives are at risk and communities are in distress.
“In this critical moment, we call on our leaders to rise to the occasion with humility and a clear sense of purpose. Jesus’ choice to enter Jerusalem on a donkey—symbolising peace and servanthood—remains a timeless example. Our leaders must embrace the principles of servant leadership, placing the welfare of the people above personal or political interests. Amidst insecurity, economic hardship, and displacement, let their actions be marked by compassion, justice, and a steadfast commitment to national healing.
“In the same spirit, we appeal to all Nigerians—regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation—to rise above division and embrace our shared identity as one people under God. Just as the diverse crowds in Jerusalem were united in hope, so too must we come together with a common purpose: to heal our land and build a future grounded in mutual respect, compassion, and solidarity.
“Palm Sunday reminds us that even in times of trial, there is hope. The journey to national renewal begins with each of us. Let us be mindful of our words and actions, choosing to be peacemakers in our homes, communities, and workplaces. Through a shared commitment to truth and justice, we can overcome the pain of the present and help shape a Nigeria where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.
“As we lift our palm branches today, let them serve not only as symbols of worship but as signs of our collective resolve to work for a peaceful and united Nigeria. May God grant us wisdom, courage, and grace in these trying times. We pray for our leaders, that they may be guided by divine insight; for our people, that they may draw strength from unity; and for our nation, that peace may reign in every corner.
“God bless you all, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, has joined other prominent Nigerians in paying tribute to late Super Eagles legendary former captain and coach, Christian Chukwu, who died on Saturday.
The Nigerian football icon, nicknamed ‘Chairman’ for his imposing presence and the authority he exuded just in defence, died at 74, throwing family, friends, and the entire nation into mourning.
In a tribute to the former centre defender posted on his social media pages on Sunday, Otedola said that Chukwu creatively used the game of football as a unifying force for us as individuals and the nation in general.
“The sudden passing of the legendary Christian Chukwu, former captain and head coach of the Super Eagles, has come as a rude shock to me. As one of Nigeria’s Patriots, Christian Chukwu creatively used the game of football as a unifying force for us as individuals and the nation in general.
“His footballing career as the captain and subsequently coach of the national team remains legendary and fully etched in the annals of our national history,” the statement said.
The former national team and Enugu Rangers captain was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2019, and Otedola stepped in to offer financial support for his medical treatment in the United Kingdom.
The Executive Chairman of Geregu Power PLC recalled that his intervention in 2019 saw Chukwu saw through a very challenging time and gave him a new lease of life.
He condoled the family of the late legendary footballer and his fans all over the world.
“Back in 2019, when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer that affected his legs, I stepped in with the necessary support so as to enable him receive comprehensive care and medical treatment in the United Kingdom.
“Thankfully, that intervention and opportunity saw him through a very challenging time and gave him a new lease of life. My condolences go out to his entire family and to his fans all over the world. May you all find comfort during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.”
Chukwu captained Nigeria to their first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy in 1980 and was also a former coach of the side between 2002 and 2005. He led the Super Eagles to a third-place finish at the 2004 edition of the continental competition in Tunisia.
He devoted his club career to Enugu Rangers, where he won multiple national titles and led the club to continental glory with their 1977 African Cup Winners’ Cup triumph.
The Presidency has reacted to the directive to US law enforcement agencies to release confidential information generated on President Bola Tinubu.
Elanza News had reported how a United States District Court ordered the FBI to release the information on Nigeria’s number one citizen.
Reacting, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said the information being sought did not indict President Bola Tinubu.
He also hinted that there is nothing new, in the report by Agent Moss of the FBI and the DEA report, saying the report has been in the public space for more than 30 years.
According to Onanuga, “Journalists have sought the Presidency’s reaction to the ruling last Tuesday by a Washington DC judge ordering the US FBI and DEA to release reports connected with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“There is nothing new to be revealed. The report by Agent Moss of the FBI and the DEA report have been in the public space for more than 30 years. The reports did not indict the Nigerian leader. The lawyers are examining the ruling.”