Despite being prosecuted for graft an ex-Nigerian Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, appeared in the Lagos Federal High Court escorted by a contingent of weaponed policemen.
In the past when he was a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) he made his trial appearances almost unaccompanied.
Mr. Fani-Kayode now arrives the court grounds escorted by half a dozen weaponed policemen and State Security Services (SSS) officers.
A defence witness Kola Olapoju during cross examination a defence witness that presidential spokesperson in 2006 requested for N1 million to “urgently” offset debts despite having over N8 million in his bank account.
he decision maker of the Fani-Kayodes’ property said that he was instructed by the ex-minister to give the money for the cost of artisans who had renewed
“That wasn’t the first time the accused (Mr. Fani-Kayode) will be calling (on the phone) for money,” Mr. Olapoju, the first defence witness, said during cross examination, noting that the transaction was “unusual and exceptional.”
“That wasn’t the first time the accused (Mr. Fani-Kayode) will be calling (on the phone) for money,” Mr. Olapoju, the first defence witness, said during cross examination, noting that the transaction was “unusual and exceptional.”
“Most of the time monies were requested for projects or for relatives or other beneficiaries and those were to be disbursed directly. And the few instances where he had to use the money, I’d have to pay either into his account, give to a staff, or use as appropriately directed.”
Mr. Olapoju added that in 2005, when ex-minister joined the administration of Olusegun Obasanjo, who was then a president, regular communications with him was “no longer as easy as it used to be.”
According to him Mr. Fani-Kayode asked him to “urgently” organise finances from renter of their property to pay the artisans.
The witness said he deposited the first portion of money – N1 million – on September 21, 2006, and the second payment – N1.1 million – was made eight days later.
The second defence witness, Aderemi Ajidahun, told the court that Mr. Olapoju had arrived at the accused’s office with money for his boss.
Mr. Ajidahun, who was Mr. Fani-Kayode’s Chief of Staff during the latter’s term of office, said they were childhood friends.
“Most of the time monies were requested for projects or for relatives or other beneficiaries and those were to be disbursed directly. And the few instances where he had to use the money, I’d have to pay either into his account, give to a staff, or use as appropriately directed.”
Mr. Olapoju added that in 2005, when ex-minister joined the administration of Olusegun Obasanjo, who was then a president, regular communications with him was “no longer as easy as it used to be.”
According to him Mr. Fani-Kayode asked him to “urgently” organise finances from renter of their property to pay the artisans.
The witness said he deposited the first portion of money – N1 million – on September 21, 2006, and the second payment – N1.1 million – was made eight days later.
The second defence witness, Aderemi Ajidahun, told the court that Mr. Olapoju had arrived at the accused’s office with money for his boss.
Mr. Ajidahun, who was Mr. Fani-Kayode’s Chief of Staff during the latter’s term of office, said they were childhood friends.
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