Former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, on Wednesday, narrated to a Federal High Court in Abuja how N1.219bn cash was airlifted to support the election of a former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose.
According to him, Â the inability of the defunct Diamond Bank, to handle huge amounts prompted the airlifting of the money.
Fayose and Spotless Investment Limited are standing trial on  11 charges bordering on money laundering and stealing to the tune of N6.9 billion.
Led in evidence by the counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Obanikoro explained that the money came from the former National Security Adviser, Â Col Sambo Dasuki, Â adding that only he could explain its source.
Obanikoro said, “I was a minister under Jonathan’s administration in 2014. Sometime in 2014, we were going to have an election in Ekiti State. I was saddled with the responsibility of coordinating the activities in the election.
Obanikoro said an account was initially opened to tackle terrorism in Lagos after which it was used to disburse funds for elections.
After listening to Obanikoro’s testimony,  the presiding judge, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba adjourned the case till February 27, 2024.
