A former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, on Tuesday, admitted before a Federal High Court in Lagos that the N4.6billion sent to him through Ayo Fayose from the Office of the National Security (ONSA) in 2014 was not illicit fund.
He said he was worried the huge sums he received from ex-NSA, Sambo Dasuki, “for security purposes” were described as illicit.
Mr Obanikoro said this at the continuation of his cross-examination in the trial of former Mr Fayose for money laundering.
Fayose is facing charges of an alleged N6.9billion fraud.
During cross-examination by defence counsel, Olalekan Ojo, Obanikoro said: “The NSA has the responsibility for coordination of security in the country. He coordinates all the security agencies. Some of their operations are clandestine and are usually not documented.
“It bothers me as a person that clandestine operations of the NSA are described as illicit. It should worry every Nigerian. I am surprised that the current NSA can characterise the funds as illicit.”
The lawyer then said: “I suggest to you that the funds from ONSA were not illicitly obtained.”
Obanikoro responded: “To the best of my knowledge.”
(NAN)
