Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) detectives have intercepted a memo for the release of the N3.145billion allegedly given to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign for disbursement to six party chieftains and the Goodluck Support Group (GSG).
Available reports say a former permanent secretary generated the memo from the Presidential Villa.
There were conflicting views on whose instructions the unnamed ex-permanent secretary acted, but one of the beneficiaries said the memo was based on the instructions and approval of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, who is yet to speak on allegations that he authorised many “curious” payments before the 2015 general election.
Elombah.com had reported that the anti-graft agency said they have uncovered evidence showing how prominent politicians, mostly from the PDP, allegedly shared N3.145billion in 2014/2015.
Mr. Fani-Kayode was the chief beneficiary of the multi-billion Naira fraud perpetrated by then ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the build up to the last presidential election, according to investigators at the EFCC
Others Named in the alleged loot are former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and leader of the Social Democratic Party, Olu Falae; a former finance minister, Nenadi Usman; a former Imo state governor, Achike Udenwa; former minister of state for foreign affairs, Viola Onwuliri and politician Okey Ezenwa
A source at the anti-graft agency said the money was paid by the Central Bank Nigeria into the account of the Ministry of External Affairs Library, from where it was moved into the account of a private firm, Joint Trust Dimension Nigeria Limited.
“It was from the Joint Dimension’s account with Zenith Bank that the money was shared to various individuals and organizations for purposes that are not stated,” the source said.
The sources described Mr. Fani-Kayode was the chief beneficiary of the disbursement as he allegedly received a whooping N840million, paid in three tranches into his Zenith Bank, Maitama branch, with number 1004735721.
It was learnt that the some of the beneficiaries ran to the ex-President for help because he reportedly approved the memo. The EFCC is insisting that the cash must be refunded.
According to sources EFCC operatives have cracked how the N3.145billion deal was struck.
A source said: “We have uncovered a memo which was raised by a former Permanent Secretary for the release of the N3.145billion by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
“Preliminary findings indicated that the idea to wire money from the CBN actually came from the Presidential Villa.
“We are looking into all clues in order to identify more public officers and PDP chieftains involved in the alleged diversion of public funds from the CBN to the campaign directorate.
“After completing the first stage of investigation, we will then invite some of the suspects for interrogation”.
Responding to a question, the source added: “The CBN also has all relevant records on the N3.145billion, including the approval from the Presidential Villa.
“We will get to the roots and retrieve every kobo. We will certainly quiz more people in the days ahead.”
It was learnt last night that one of the beneficiaries admitted that the memo was sent to the CBN, allegedly based on the instructions and approval of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.
Another source said: “The beneficiary claimed that the memo directly showed that the ex-President gave the order to the ex-Permanent Secretary. The idea emanated from the Presidential Villa to shore up campaign funds.
“Some forces in the defunct Campaign Directorate however said Jonathan did not know anything about it. They said they felt betrayed that the process for the release of the funds was not open.
“Some of these directorate officials collected money from other public institutions. The EFCC must look at all angles.
“We want EFCC to unveil those behind the memo. Now that the secret is known, it is convenient to shift all blames on the ex-President. We are suspecting foul play.”
Udenwa acknowledged receipt of some money from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“Yes we received money in Imo State for the presidential campaign.
“It was paid into a joint account that I and the former Minister of Education (state), Prof. Viola Onwuliri, were signatories to.”
Chief Femi Fani-Kayode said: “I served as the director of Publicity and I was told to set up an account for the directorate, which I did. I never received money from the CBN but, like all the other directors, we received money from the director of Finance.
“I was assured that the monies were not public funds but were sourced from private individuals. I never knowingly spent government money all through. The monies were spent specifically on the campaigns. The accounts were audited and we were commended by the President.”
The Ondo State Chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) defended Chief Falae, saying:
“The EFCC at one point said the N100m was from Dasuki, a lie which has now been effectively debunked. Now they are claiming that money was from a company known as Joint Trust Dimension Nigeria Limited, an entity totally unknown to Chief Falae and the SDP.”