The ongoing trial of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose took a dramatic turn recently, with Shuaibu Salisu, a former Director of Administration and Finance in the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), testifying against him. Salisu, the 14th prosecution witness, disclosed that payments totaling N200 million and N2 billion were authorized by the former NSA, Sambo Dasuki, to a company named Silver Macnamara. These payments were reportedly for “physical security infrastructures” without adequate documentation or evidence of work done.
Salisu’s testimony highlighted questionable financial practices within the NSA’s office, alleging that payments were made without proper disclosures or accountability regarding their purpose and utilization. He clarified that funds were intended for security operations, and typically, funds were to be retired once their purpose was fulfilled, although he could not confirm if Silver Macnamara complied with this requirement.
The trial revolves around allegations that Fayose misappropriated N1.219 billion to finance his 2014 gubernatorial campaign. The charges against him include criminal breach of trust, theft, and stealing of public funds. Despite cross-examination by Fayose’s counsel, which sought to clarify the payment processes and accountability mechanisms within the NSA’s office, Salisu maintained his stance on the lack of proper documentation and accountability regarding the payments made.
The trial has been adjourned until October 18, with Fayose’s counsel granted permission for him to travel abroad for medical reasons in the interim.