An EFCC witness at the trial of AIT Chairman Raymond Dokpesi has stated that the payments made by Sambo Dasuki, the ex-National Security Adviser to the AIT boss were legitimate.
Aliyu Mohammed a staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria and manager of its payment section told a Federal High Court in Abuja that payments made to the defendant were legitimate by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s standard.
The said disbursements made to Daar communications were in conformity with the due process for such by his office, he said, adding that they were for the purposes of media campaign by Daar communications.
During cross-examination by counsel to Mr. Dokpesi, Wole Olanipekun, Mr. Mohammed said similar disbursements are currently ongoing at the CBN, from payments instruments passed on to his office in the same manner, as was done under Mr. Dasuki.
Visibly surprised by the testimony, the prosecution counsel, Mr. Jacobs, attempted to question Mr. Mohammed based on his last response; but the defence counsel objected and an argument ensued.
The judge, John Tohso, intervened and asked the witness to repeat himself.
“Because they have complied with all the due process. We are comfortable and the process is legitimate to us,” Mohammed answered.
Mr. Dokpesi is facing trial for alleged involvement in the diversion of billions of naira meant for the purchase of arms by Dasuki.