Ex-Nigerian Governor in Trouble as EFCC Witness Reveals How He Handed $15.8m to Him
- An EFCC witness, Abubakar Umar, has told the court that he gave ex-Benue governor, Suswam, $15.8million at his Abuja residence
- Umar who had earlier changed his testimony also alleged that he was being pressured by some unnamed people from Suswam's camp
- The EFCC is prosecuting the former Benue governor who is now a senator over an alleged N9.79 billion
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Abubakar Umar, a witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has claimed that he handed over $15.8 million to a former governor of Benue state, Gabriel Suswam, at the former governor's residence in Maitama, Abuja.
According to a statement by the EFCC, Umar made the claim on Wednesday, March 24, when he appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Legit.ng gathers that Umar who owns a Bureau De Change firm had previously recanted this testimony by claiming that he took the money to the Government House in Benue state.
Source: Twitter
However, he explained to the court on Wednesday that he changed the original claim because of the pressure he received from "Suswam’s people.”
Umar alleged that he was asked to change his claim about whom he handed over the money to and the location where the handing over took place
The EFCC witness said Suswam in 2014 called him to his house in Maitama and introduced him to a lady and asked him to give her his account details.
He added:
“Suswam said when I get the money, I should give him the dollar equivalent which I did. The money amounted to $15.8million while using N197 to $1 as the exchange rate. I handed over the dollars in cash to Suswam at his residence in Abuja.”
The judge has adjourned the case till Tuesday, May 25 for the continuation of the trial.
The EFCC is prosecuting the former governor alongside his then Commissioner for Finance, Omadachi Oklobia, for allegedly diverting N9.79 billion belonging to Benue state.
Nigerians react
Comrade Akingbola Temidayo commented on Facebook:
"Looters wax stronger every day in Nigeria. Do we really need another nationwide protest to bring looters and collaborators to a halt."
Omotosho Ola said:
"These people don share the country money finish among themselves........na bone remain for the society to lick"
Ndubuisi Anchor said:
"It's time to look into present government massive looting and economic sabotage are fast going up"
Fasan Tommy said:
"Fraudulent activities from our leaders ruined our country"
Pilah Vitalis said:
"EFCC kindly help us keep Nigeria clear of corruption"
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In another report, the EFCC allegedly detained a member of the Ondo state House of Assembly, Felemugudu Bankole, over an allegation of fraud.
The politician was detained along with the clerk of the Assembly, Bode Aladeyelu, and two civil servants.
The suspects were held by the EFCC after they honoured invitations by the agency over a fraud allegedly committed in 2019.
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Nurudeen Lawal is a Legit.ng journalist passionate about fact-checking/verification journalism. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature-in-English from Obafemi Awolowo University. As Politics Editor, Nurudeen mostly writes on Nigeria’s political and socio-economic developments. He has attended different workshops, conferences and training on fact-checking and digital reporting, among others. Learn more about him on Twitter, @Nurudeen Lawal_
Source: Legit.ng
