EFCC Witness Unveils Details of How Former Head of Service, Oyo-Ita, Allegedly Engaged in Fund Laundering During Her Tenure

Witness Testimony Reveals Alleged Money Laundering by Former Head of Service

In a recent trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Hamma-Adama Bello, a witness from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), shed light on the purported involvement of the former Head of Service, Winifred Oyo-Ita, in money laundering activities using her companies during her tenure.

This testimony unfolded during proceedings before Justice James Omotosho, with Bello serving as the eighth prosecution witness (PW8).

Intelligence and Investigation

During the trial, Bello, who holds the position of Chief Superintendent at the EFCC and heads its Special Investigation Team (SIT), revealed that the investigative team received intelligence in 2019 regarding the activities of Oyo-Ita and her minister in the Ministry of Special Duty and Inter-Governmental Affairs.

The intelligence implicated the first defendant and other individuals, prompting the team to initiate an investigation.

The focus of the inquiry was the alleged use of official positions to secure contracts for companies associated with the defendants.

Involvement of Companies

The witness shared that the investigation uncovered the beneficial ownership of two companies, Frontline Ace Global Services Limited and Asanaya Projects Limited, by Winifred Oyo-Ita.

Additionally, it was revealed that Oyo-Ita had an interest in Asanaya Farms Limited.

The court learned that Oyo-Ita held two accounts in Zenith Bank for Frontline Ace Global Services Limited and had served as Chairman and CEO of the company, issuing resolutions for the opening of these accounts.

Financial Transactions and Government Payments

The investigation delved into the financial transactions involving Oyo-Ita’s companies, particularly Frontline Ace Global Services Limited.

Bello informed the court that an analysis of board resolutions indicated Oyo-Ita’s beneficial ownership of the accounts associated with the company.

Notably, approximately N124 million was identified to have passed through one of the accounts, with payments traced back to the Federal Ministry of Power and other government agencies during Oyo-Ita’s tenure as a deputy director in the ministry.

As the witness concluded the testimony, Justice Omotosho adjourned the proceedings, setting the stage for the trial’s continuation on January 26.

The revelations presented by the EFCC witness underscore the gravity of the allegations against Winifred Oyo-Ita and her alleged involvement in money laundering activities through her companies during her tenure as the Head of Service.

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