"Crucial Twist: EFCC Unveils Key Witness in N2.2 Billion Subsidy Scam Trial"

EFCC Presents Additional Witness Against Accused Persons in N2.2 Billion Subsidy Fraud Case

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has introduced another prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of Mamman Nasir Ali and Christian Taylor, who are facing charges related to an alleged N2.2 billion oil subsidy fraud. The trial is taking place before Justice Mojisola Dada at the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos.

The latest witness called by the EFCC is Popoola Olayiwola, a staff member of the Debt Management Office (DMO).

The EFCC's Lagos Zonal Command had re-arraigned Mamman Nasir Ali, Christian Taylor, and Nasaman Oil Services Limited on an amended 49-count charge. The charges include conspiracy to obtain money by false pretense, forgery, and use of false documents.

One of the counts alleges that the defendants conspired to fraudulently obtain the sum of N749,991,273.36 from the Federal Government of Nigeria by falsely claiming subsidy payments for the importation of petroleum products.

Another count accuses them of obtaining N1,480,074,125.61 from the Federal Government under similar false pretenses.

The defendants have pleaded not guilty to all charges.

During the proceedings, the prosecution counsel, S.K. Atteh, informed the court that one witness was indisposed, while another had encountered flight issues. Consequently, he requested an adjournment, which was not objected to by the defense counsel, Kolade Obafemi.

Originally, the defendants were standing trial before Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo of a Lagos State High Court, but the case was reassigned to Justice Dada after Justice Onigbanjo withdrew due to health reasons.

The trial was adjourned to March 25 and 26, 2024, for continuation.

During the hearing, the prosecution witness, Popoola Olayiwola, testified about his role as an Operations Officer at the DMO. He explained that he was responsible for the issuance and redemption of Sovereign Debt Notes (SDN) related to oil subsidy claims.

Olayiwola provided details about the SDN, including its features and issuance process. He confirmed that Nasaman Oil Services Limited was one of the companies for which he prepared SDNs in 2012.

He identified two SDNs issued to Nasaman Oil Services Limited, specifying the amounts involved and confirming that Christian Taylor collected them.

The trial was adjourned to March 26, 2024, for further proceedings.

This development marks another step in the legal process as the EFCC continues its efforts to prosecute individuals accused of defrauding the government through fraudulent subsidy claims in the oil sector.

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