Abuja – An EFCC witness, Mrs Rukayyat Ibrahim, on Tuesday, told Federal High Court Abuja that former Finance Minister, Bashir Yuguda, authorised the transfer of over N1.5 billion to a Bureau de Change (BDC) called Jabana Ada Limited.
The witness, who alleged that the BDC was owned by former PDP National Chairman, Bello Halliru, added that
Yuguda authorised the Accountant General of the Federation to release the amount and transfer same from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to Bello’s account.
“The money must have been used to trade in forex; let Yaguda, who is standing trial on similar fraud at the FCT High Court
explain the whereabouts of the money,’’ she said.
Ibrahim said the Commission had also discovered some payments from Nigerian Air Force and from the Accountant General of the Federation`s office to Jabana Ada Limited from other sources.
She further testified that on March 11, 2015, the sum of N300 million was paid into the account of BAM Projects and Properties Limited and on March 17, 2015, the sum of another N300 million was paid into same account, both from former NSA’s office.
The defence Counsel, Mr Kanu Agabi, prayed the court to adjourn the case to enable the counsel to examine the documents tendered against his clients.
He said the adjournment would enable him to prepare for cross examination of the prosecution witness.
Justice Ahmed Mohammed then adjourned the case until March 3 for cross examination.
Halliru, the former minister of defence is standing trial alongside his son, Abbah Bello, for alleged unlawful collection
of N600 million from the office of NSA.
The money was part of funds budgeted for the purchase of weapons for the military. (NAN)
