EFCC witness recounts how Lamido diverted N1.35bn
An operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Michael Wetkas on Thursday furnished the Federal HIgh Court, Abuja with more details of how the former Governor of Jigawa state, Sule Lamido allegedly diverted state funds to his private use as governor of the state.
Wetkas, who was testifying as a prosecution witness said the funds meant for projects in the state were divested to Lamido’s private use through a company, Dantata and Sawoe Construction Company.
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The witness further told the court on Thursday that EFCC’s investigation revealed that Lamido’s companies, Speeds International Limited and Bamaina Holding Company, received several payments running into hundreds of millions into their bank accounts via cheques raised by Dantata and Sawoe Construction Company between 2007 and 2013.
Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, M. S. Abubakar, the witness disclosed that there were payments through cheques for N7, 408, 000 and N7, 425, 000 from Zenith B ank account of Dantata and Sawoe Construction Company in favour of Bamaina Holding Company on March 5, 2013.
Also, the witness further revealed that on April 23, 2013, there were two cheques of N7, 228, 900 from Zenith Bank account that were raised in favour of Speeds International Limited which was paid.
Wetkas also told the court that N9, 450, 000 was paid to Speeds International Limited on October 19, 2010 as well as several payments that were made from the UBA and the former Intercontinental Bank (now Access Bank) accounts of Dantata and Sawoe Construction Company to the companies owned by Alhaji Lamido.
The witness tendered the payment cheques as exhibits.
Justice Ojukwu adjourned the matter until April 27, 28, 29, 30 and May 4, 5, 6, and 7, 2020 for continuation of trial.
Our correspondent recalls that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) re-arraigned Lamido, his two sons, Aminu Lamido and Mustapha Lamido and others, including Aminu Abubakar, Batholomew Agoha, Bamaina Holdings Limited and Speeds International Limited on an amended 43-count charge for allegedly defrauding the state of N1.35 billion.
