THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), yesterday, called its 15th witness in the money laundering trial of a former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose.
The witness, Mr. Joseph Machleb, was led in examination by the prosecutor, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN).
In his examination, the witness, who is not fluent in the English language, told the court that he lived in Akure, Ondo State.
He told the court that he works for a construction company known as Samchase Nigeria Ltd., as a mechanic.
When asked if he knew a company called JJ Technical Services Ltd., he answered Yes.
He told the court that the company was jointly incorporated by himself and his elder brother.
He also told the court that they handed over the company to one Azeez Michelle to solicit contracts for the company.
When quizzed on whether the company was involved in buying of property, he said, “I don’t know anything about that.
“I didn’t authorise Michelle to buy property; I only told him to look for contracts for the company.”
During cross examination by the defence counsel, Mr. Olalekan Ojo (SAN), the witness told the court that he did not authorise in writing, one Azeez Michelle to execute any transaction for the company, JJ technical Services.
Ojo then asked: “If I give you any document that shows you authorised the same, will you remember?”
The witness replied: “Maybe, I will.”
Ojo then applied that a document dated Nov. 20, 2013, be shown to the witness for purposes of refreshing his memory pursuant to the provisions of Section 239 of the Evidence Act.
The prosecutor did not object.
When shown the document, the witness identified his signature and admitted signing the same.
The defence counsel tendered the evidence before the court and it was admitted and marked as Exhibit A20.
On further cross examination by Ojo, the witness told the court that JJ Technical Services authorised the said Azeez Michelle to sign and execute documents, letters and instructions on behalf of the company.
When asked if he knew whether on the strength of Exhibit A20, Michelle executed many transactions on behalf of the company, the witness replied: ‘No, I don’t know.”
The defence counsel called for Exhibit MM1 and 2 and asked the witness if it was the first time he was seeing the documents.
The witness replied: “After these issues come up.”
He added that he did not receive any document, adding that his brother only called to inform him that there was a problem in the company.
The commission also accused Fayose of using about N1.6 billion in crime proceeds to acquire property in Lagos and Abuja.
The former governor also allegedly used N200 million in crime proceeds to acquire a property in Abuja in the name of his elder sister, Moji Oladeji.
The alleged offences contravene Sections 15(1), 15(2), 15(3), 16(2)(b), 16(d), and 18(c) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011. (NAN)
