Court admits NSA’s letter alleging Fani-Kayode collected N26m for media campaigns

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday admitted a letter from the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA), detailing how the former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode allegedly collected a sum of N26m from the office.   The letter was admitted as an exhibit as part of efforts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC to establish money laundering charges against the former minister.   Fani-Kayode was docked in 2018 by EFCC on a five-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of N26m and criminal breach of trust.   When the trial resumed on Wednesday, EFCC counsel, Farouk Abdullah informed the court that the matter was for continuation of trial and that the witness was in court.   Testifying before Justice John Tsoho, the witnesses, Mohammed Goji informed the court that he had a certified true copy of a letter from the office of National Security Adviser to EFCC detailing payments made to Fani- Kayode.   He said the letter was in response to a request sent to the office of the National Security Adviser by the Chairman of EFCC.   Upon the witness testimony, the EFCC counsel Goji applied to tender the letter as an exhibit.   Defence Counsel, Wale Balogun did not object to tendering of the letter but prayed the court to grant an adjournment to enable him cross-examine the witness who began his testimony a year ago.   Justice Tsoho obliged the defence counsel’s request on the ground that it is a criminal trial and he needed time to prepare a defence.   Consequently, the Judge adjourned the matter till May 3, 2022, for cross-examination of the witness.   It will be recalled that the ex-aviation minister was accused of collecting N26 million from the Office of the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, and using same for media campaign, contrary to Section 15 (2) (b) of the Money Laundering Act.   He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was admitted to bail in the sum of N50 million and one surety in like sum.