A retired Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Secretary to the Federal Government, Ibrahim Mahe, has testified before the Federal High Court in Lagos, confirming that N2 billion transferred into the account of Sylvan Mcnamara Ltd was for security purposes.

Mahe, the 16th prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, disclosed that he and the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), jointly authorised the disbursement to the account with Diamond Bank.

Fayose is facing charges of N6.9 billion fraud and money laundering. The former governor was first arraigned on October 22, 2018, alongside his company, Spotless Investment Ltd, on 11 counts related to fraud and money laundering. He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail.

The case was later transferred to Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke in July 2019, where Fayose was re-arraigned but allowed to continue on the previous bail conditions.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has since called witnesses, including Mahe, who outlined his role in the disbursement process.

Mahe explained that his office liaised with intelligence agencies and managed security funds, stressing that the disbursement of the N2 billion followed due process.

He added that it was the prerogative of the President and NSA to determine the use of funds allocated for security.

During cross-examination, Mahe stated that the NSA is a political office accountable to the President and reiterated that the transfer to Sylvan Mcnamara Ltd adhered to established procedures.

The trial, which revolves around Fayose’s alleged involvement in laundering funds from the NSA’s office to finance his 2014 gubernatorial campaign, is set to continue on November 29, 2024.

The EFCC accused Fayose of taking possession of N1.2 billion and $5 million for his campaign, as well as retaining N300 million in his account and controlling over N600 million in crime proceeds.

Fayose is also alleged to have used over N1.6 billion to acquire properties in Lagos and Abuja, with further claims that he purchased a property in Abuja for N200 million in his sister’s name.

These charges are in violation of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act of 2011.