The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Thursday, called its 15th witness in the ongoing money laundering trial of former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose.
The trial, which is being heard before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, centres on allegations of N6.9 billion in fraud and money laundering.
The witness, Mr Joseph Machleb, was examined by counsel for the EFCC, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN).
Machleb, who works as a mechanic for Samchase Nig. Ltd and resides in Akure, Ondo State, testified about his connection to JJ Technical Services Ltd, a company he co-founded with his brother.
He explained that they handed over the company’s operations to a third party, Azeez Michelle, to secure contracts but not to engage in property transactions.
During cross-examination by Fayose’s defence counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), Machleb acknowledged authorizing Michelle to represent the company but denied knowledge of any specific property dealings.
When shown a document dated November 20, 2013, the witness confirmed his signature, which granted Michelle authority to sign documents on behalf of the company.
Despite this, he maintained that he had no direct knowledge of Michelle’s transactions during that period.
Machleb also confirmed that his company never had business dealings with Fayose or his associates during Fayose’s tenure as governor of Ekiti State.
He acknowledged seeing Fayose on television but denied any personal or business connection with him.
The court has adjourned the trial to October 18 for further proceedings.
It would be recalled that Fayose was first arraigned on October 22, 2018, alongside his company, Spotless Investment Ltd, on 11 counts of fraud and money laundering before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun.
He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of N50 million.The case was later transferred to Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, where the EFCC continued its prosecution.
According to the charges, Fayose and his associate, Abiodun Agbele, allegedly took possession of N1.2 billion on June 17, 2014, to fund Fayose’s gubernatorial campaign in Ekiti, knowing the funds were proceeds of illegal activities.
Fayose is also accused of receiving a $5 million cash payment from the then-Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, and of retaining substantial sums in personal and corporate accounts, using the funds to acquire properties in Lagos and Abuja.
The EFCC claims these actions violate various provisions of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011, specifically Sections 15(1), 15 (2), 15 (3), 16(2)(b), 16 (d), and 18 (c).
New Telegraph
