In the proceedings before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, on April 25, 2024, Prosecution Witness Eight (PW8), Hamma Adama Bello, detailed the purported diversion of public funds into private enterprises by the accused parties.
Former Head of Service (HoS), Winifred Oyo-Ita, along with her special assistants, Ugbong Okon Effiok and Garba Umar, are facing criminal prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). They stand accused, along with six companies—Frontline Ace Global Services Limited, Asanaya Projects Limited, Slopes International Limited, U and U Global Services Ltd, Prince Mega Logistics Ltd, and Good Deal Investments—on 18-count charges related to misappropriation, official corruption, money laundering, and criminal diversion of funds totaling over N3 billion.
PW8, under the guidance of prosecution counsel Faruk Abdullahi and H.M. Mohammed, testified that Oyo-Ita allegedly utilized Slopes International Limited and Good Deal Investments Limited, the fifth and sixth defendants respectively, to illegitimately secure government contracts through Umar, the fourth defendant. The witness revealed that significant sums of money were deposited into the Zenith Bank account of Good Deal Investments Ltd, totaling N42,748,201.47 in February 2019, with Umar’s involvement in incorporating the company.
Moreover, PW8 disclosed a transfer of N20,2027,142 to the Zenith Bank account of Asanaya Projects Ltd on April 27, 2019, with evidence indicating Effiok’s association with the transaction. Further investigation suggested that Effiok incorporated Asanaya Projects Ltd in his name, with alleged approvals and payments facilitated by Oyo-Ita.
The witness highlighted payments made to U and U Global Services Limited, including N40,313,453.58 received directly from the federal government on March 24, 2016. Additionally, PW8 referenced financial transactions involving Prince Mega Logistics Ltd, indicating significant sums transferred to various individuals, including Oyo-Ita, with the seventh defendant serving as the sole signatory.
During the trial, PW8 stated that interviews were conducted with the first, second, and seventh defendants, yielding evidence from mobile phone conversations, voluntary statements, and interactions with contractors, subordinates, and permanent secretaries.
The proceedings adjourned until April 30, 2024, as the trial continues.
