The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented its 15th witness, Joseph Machleb, in the ongoing money laundering trial of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose.
During examination, Machleb, who struggles with English, revealed he resides in Akure, Ondo State. Prosecutor Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) led the questioning, News Agency of Nigeria reports.
He told the court that he works for a construction company known as Samchase Nigeria Ltd., as a mechanic and confirmed to know a company called JJ Technical Services Ltd.
He said the company was jointly incorporated by himself and his elder brother but 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 properties, he said he didn’t know about it.
“I didn’t authorise Michelle to buy property; I only told him to look for contracts for the company,” he said.
During cross examination by the defence counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), the witness told the court that he did not authorise 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 November 20, 2013, be shown to the witness to refresh 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 later informed the court that his brother only called to inform him that there was a problem in the company.
“When your brother told you that there was a problem in the company, you were worried and wanted your company to be out of any problem?” Ojo asked.
“Of course,” the witness replied.
The witness also confirmed to the court as suggested by the defence counsel that his company executes its businesses or duties in a legitimate manner.
He also told the court that his company never wrote any letter or memo to the said Michelle to find out if he knew anything about documents MM1 and 2.
Ojo asked the witness to look at the first defendant in the dock and tell the court if he had seen him before
The witness replied: “Yes, I see him on TV.”
He also confirmed knowing Fayose as a former governor of Ekiti.
The defence counsel then asked: “I suggest to you that both you and your company had no business with him during his tenure as governor.”
The witness replied that he did not have any business with the former governor.
When asked if the defendant had ever visited his family in Lebanon, the witness replied: “I don’t know.”
When asked if Michelle had been reporting to him about activities carried out with respect to the document, the witness said no.
The witness also denied knowing one Biodun Agbele or having any transaction with him.
Ojo then asked the witness if he recalled going to the EFCC and he replied yes.
When asked if the commission had showed him any document in respect of any transaction between his company and the first defendant, or his company and Biodun Agbele, the witness said: “They just showed me one agreement.”
During cross examination by the first defence counsel, Mr Uchenna Njoku (SAN), the witness confirmed that his company had affirmed Michelle to act for it, based on trust and confidence.
He told the court that till date he had not found any reason to doubt Michelle’s integrity to act for the company.
The court, however, adjourned until October 18 for continuation of trial.
Fayose faces trial for alleged N6.9 billion fraud and money laundering. Initially arraigned on October 22, 2018, he pleaded not guilty and was granted N50 million bail.
After a judicial transfer, Fayose was re-arraigned on July 2, 2019, and again pleaded not guilty. The EFCC has presented witnesses, and the trial continues.
On June 17, 2014, Fayose and Abiodun Agbele allegedly received N1.2 billion to support Fayose’s gubernatorial election campaign in Ekiti, according to the EFCC.
This transaction is part of the N6.9 billion fraud and money laundering charges against Fayose, who was arraigned on October 22, 2018.
The case has been ongoing, with the EFCC presenting witnesses, including a former Director of Administration and Finance, Office of the National Security Adviser, who testified about payments made to a firm, Sylvan MacNamara, for security purposes.
The commission alleged that the sum formed part of the crime proceeds.
