Mr. Ahidjo Ikem, an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) witness, on Friday, informed a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos how the Bishop David Oyedepo-owned Living Faith Church received the sum of N35 million from Major-General Emmanuel Atewe, a former Commander of joint Task Force (JTF). Major-General Atewe is being prosecuted for alleged involvement in a N19.7 billion fraud.
Mr. Ikem is Managing Director of five of the seven companies charged alongside Major-General Atewe, Mr. Patrick Akpobolokemi, former Director-General of Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA); Kime Egonzu and Josephine Otuaga for alleged fraud.
The accused are facing an amended 22-count charge bordering money laundering.
Mr. Ikem’s companies charged along with the accused persons are Jaggan Limited, Jaggan Trading Company Limited, Jaggan Global Services Limited, Al-Nald Limited and Paper Warehouse Limited. Other companies charged are Eastpoint Integrated Services Limited and De-Newlink Integrated Services Limited.
At the resumed trial of the accused persons on Friday, Mr. Ikem Justice Ayokunle Faji that his five companies were used by Major-General Atewe to launder the said sum of N4. 9 billion from the JTF’s account.
While being led-in evidence by the EFCC prosecutor, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, Mr. Ikem said he first met Major-General Atewe at the Aso Rock Villa Chapel, where they both worshipped, when the latter was Commander, Brigade of Guards.
Sometimes between July and September 2014, the witness told the court, Major-General Atewe was appointed JTF Commander and invited him to Balyesa State. There, Mr. Ikem added, Major-General Atewe told him that he had won a Federal Government contract for maintenance of security and building of barracks. The JTF Commander, the witness further said, asked if he has a company into which the , he should supply it, as the money for the contract could be paid.
He stated that he gave the names, addresses and bank details of his five companies to Major-General Atewe.
