N4.745b ONSA scam: EFCC secures court order to detain Omisore

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) yesterday secured a warrant from a court to detain  a former Deputy Governor of Osun State,  Otunba Iyiola Omisore in connection with the ongoing investigation of N1.310billion  illegally allocated to him and three companies by the Office of the National Security Adviser(ONSA).

The cash was part of the N4.745billion slush funds allegedly disbursed by ONSA.

The N1.310billion was  remitted as follows: Fimex Gilt Limited(N160m)-8/8/2014in UBA; Metropolitan Consortium(N350m)—9/7/14 in First Bank; Sawanara(N300m)—1/8/14 in First Bank and Metropolitan Consortium(N350m)-1/8/14 in First Bank.

His other accomplices include Governor Ayodele Fayose and ex-Minister of Defence, Mr. Musiliu Obanikoro, who has gone on self-exile in the United States.

According to a source in EFCC, the depth of the ongoing probe demanded that Omisore should be in custody for a while.

The source said: “We have secured warrant from a court to detain Omisore for a while as we intensify investigation into how N1.310billion was given to him and three firms by ONSA.

“The former Deputy Governor has been responding to issues raised by our operatives on how he came about the slush funds.

“The EFCC approached the court for the detention order in line with its commitment to the Rule of Law.

“So, Omisore will spend more days legally with us in custody to enable us conclude our investigation in record time.”

After a three-month trail, the ex- Deputy governor was arrested on Sunday at his 1, Kainji Crescent in Maitama, Abuja at about 6am.

The anti-graft agency through a letter, CR: 3000/EFCC/ABJ/ STF/Vol.3/116 of April 7, 2016 invited Omisore for interrogation.

The letter, signed by Abubakar Madaki on behalf of the Acting Chairman of EFCC, reads in part: “The commission is investigating an alleged case in which your name featured prominently.

“In view of the above, you are kindly requested to interview the undersigned on Monday, 11th of April 2016 at No.30, Harper Crescent, Wuse Zone 7 at 10am.

“Your cooperation in this regard is solicited.”

Instead of honouring the invitation, Omisore wrote a letter through one of his lawyers, Wole Jimi-Bada and Co. that the interview should be rescheduled to Thursday, April 14, 2016.

The counsel said in part: “Your letter dated 7th April 2016 and addressed to our client and delivered to his gateman at our client’s residence has been passed on to our chambers.

“We regret to inform you that our client travelled briefly out of Abuja but will return by Wednesday evening accordingly to our instructions. Consequently and unfortunately, he will not be able to attend the interview scheduled for Monday, 11th April 2016 as requested in your letter under reference.

THE NATION