The Federal High Court in Lagos Friday heard that a former Joint Task Force (JTF) commander Major-General Emmanuel Atewe allegedly donated N35million to a church.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleged that the money was part of N19.7billion fraudulent diverted by the defendants.
An EFCC witness, Ahidjo Ikem, said the money was donated to the Living Faith Church.
Ikem is the Managing Director of five companies charged with Atewe.
They are standing trial along with former Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Director-General Dr. Patrick Akpolobokemi, Kime Engonzu and Josephine Otuaga.
They were arraigned on an amended 22 count-charge with Jaggan Limited, Jaggan Trading Company Limited, Jaggan Global Services Limited, Al-Nald Limited, Paper Warehouse Limited, Eastpoint Integrated Services Limited and De-Newlink Integrated Services Limited.
Testifying before Justice Ayokunle Faji, the witness said Atewe laundered N4.9billion using the five companies.
Ikem said he came in contact Atewe at the Villa Church where they both worship, when the JTF Commander was the Guard Brigade Commander.
He said between July and September 2014, Atewe became the JTF Commander and invited him to Balyesa State.
He said Atewe told him that he had been give a contract by the Federal Government for the maintenance of security and building of barracks.
He said Atewe asked him if he had a company, as the money for the contract would be paid into its account. He said he gave Atewe the account details of the five companies.
Ikem said his companies had no contractual agreement with JTF, neither was he a registered contractor nor supplied any goods or rendered any service to JTF.
The witness said three days after his visit to Balyesa, he received alerts.
He said when Atewe came to Abuja, he met him at Niger Barracks, where he was introduced to Engonzu (the third accused person), and said any money he received should be handed over to him.
Ikem said he received N4.9billion, which he changed to $21,500,000 USD, from a Bureau De Change (BDC) operator named Jimoh.
He said he handed the money to Engozu.
The witness said he collected $950, 000 USD from one Chijioke, who is also a good friend of Atewe and gave it to Engozu.
According to the witness, N4.1billion was converted to dollars out of N4, 915,163,103; the remaining balance was given to some companies and a church on Atewe’s orders.
He said N35 million was paid to Living Faith Church, N103 million was paid to INP Limited, N107 million to First Investment Limited, while Lord Firm Limited, Ocean Gas, and Sisco Nobort were paid N99 million, N88 million and N297 million.
Justice Faji adjourned till March 21, 22 and 23.
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