Welcome, Guest: Register On Nairaland / LOGIN! / Trending / Recent / New
Stats: 3,213,992 members, 8,020,445 topics. Date: Wednesday, 04 December 2024 at 10:40 AM

Efcc Slams Sylva With Money Laundering Charges - Politics - Nairaland

Nairaland Forum / Nairaland / General / Politics / Efcc Slams Sylva With Money Laundering Charges (6843 Views)

EFCC Slams 7-count Charge Of Corruption On PDP Spokesman, Metuh / EFCC Makes U-turn, Slams Sylva With Fresh Corruption Charges / Ibori Pleads Guilty To Money Laundering Charges In London Court (2) (3) (4)

(1) (2) (Reply) (Go Down)

Efcc Slams Sylva With Money Laundering Charges by Nobody: 2:12pm On Feb 24, 2012

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has formally instituted criminal charges against former governor of Bayelsa state, Timipre Sylva, for laundering close to N5 billion of funds belonging to Bayelsa state.

The charges filed by EFCC prosecuting attorney Festus Keyamo accused Mr. Sylva of money laundering, conversion and obtaining by false pretense.

Mr. Sylva has just ended a grueling political battle with president Goodluck Jonathan regarding his candidacy for the gubernatorial election in Bayelsa state.

Mr. Jonathan's handpicked candidate, Seriake Dickson won the election under controversial circumstances.

EFCC operatives are hunting for Mr. Sylvia who they claimed is on the run. the court is expected to issue a bench warrant for his arrest.


See charges below:

N THE FEDERAL HIGH COURT
HOLDEN AT ABUJA

CHARGE NO.: FHC/ABJ/CR/23/2012
BETWEEN:

FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA…………          COMPLAINANT

AND

TIMIPRE SYLVA      ……………………………….ACCUSED PERSON

CHARGE

COUNT 1:

That you, Timipre Sylva, as Governor  of Bayelsa State, with others now at large, sometime between October, 2009 and February, 2010, at various places in Nigeria, including Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court did conspire to commit a crime to wit: conversion of properties and resources amounting to N2,000,000,000.00 (Two Billion Naira) belonging to Bayelsa State Government and derived from an illegal act, with the aim of concealing the illicit origin of the said amount and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 17(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition Act), 2004 and punishable under Section 14(1) of the same Act.




COUNT 2:

That you, Timipre Sylva, as Governor  of Bayelsa State, with others now at large, on or about the 22nd of January, 2010, at Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, converted the sum of N380,000,000.00 (Three Hundred and Eighty Million Naira), property of the Bayelsa State Government, through the account of one Habibu Sani Maigidia, a Bureau De Change Operator with Account No. 221433478108, in Fin Bank, Plc, which sum you knew represented the proceeds of an illegal act with the aim of concealing the nature of the proceeds of the said illegal act and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 14(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition Act) 2004 and also punishable under section 14(1) of the same Act.

COUNT 3:

That you, Timipre Sylva, as Governor  of Bayelsa State, with others now at large, on or about the 5th of February, 2010, at Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, converted the sum of N50,000,000.00 (Fifty Million Naira), property of the Bayelsa State Government, through the account of one Enson Benmer Limited with Account No. 6152030001946, in First Bank, Plc, which sum you knew represented the proceeds of an illegal act with the aim of concealing the nature of the proceeds of the said illegal act and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 14(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition Act) 2004 and also punishable under section 14(1) of the same Act.

COUNT 4:

That you, Timipre Sylva, as Governor  of Bayelsa State, with others now at large, on or about the 5th of February, 2010, at Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, converted the sum of N20,000,000.00 (Twenty Million Naira), property of the Bayelsa State Government, through the account of one John Daukoru with Account No. 04800250000418, in United Bank for Africa, Plc, which sum you knew represented the proceeds of an illegal act with the aim of concealing the nature of the proceeds of the said illegal act and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 14(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition Act) 2004 and also punishable under section 14(1) of the same Act.

COUNT 5:

That you, Timipre Sylva, as Governor  of Bayelsa State, with others now at large, sometime between October, 2009 and February, 2010, at various places in Nigeria, including Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court did conspire to commit a crime to wit: inducing Union Bank, Plc, with the intent to defraud, to deliver to Bayelsa State Government the sum of N2,000,000,000.00 (Two Billion Naira), under the false pretence of using the amount to augment salaries of the Bayelsa State Government and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8(a) and punishable under section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2004.

COUNT 6:

That you, Timipre Sylva, as Governor  of Bayelsa State, with others now at large, sometime between October, 2009 and February, 2010, at various places in Nigeria, including Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court induced Union Bank, Plc, with the intent to defraud, to grant an overdraft facility of the sum of N2,000,000,000.00 (Two Billion Naira) to the Bayelsa State Government under the false pretence of using the amount to augment salaries of the Bayelsa State Government and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2004 and punishable under section 1(3) of the same Act.

Source
Re: Efcc Slams Sylva With Money Laundering Charges by Nobody: 2:35pm On Feb 24, 2012
Vagabonds in power. Why is no single ex-governor in prison
Re: Efcc Slams Sylva With Money Laundering Charges by Pukkah: 2:37pm On Feb 24, 2012
Who are these 'others now at large'? How did the ex-governor slip through their fingers to 'at large'?
Re: Efcc Slams Sylva With Money Laundering Charges by Lasinoh: 2:45pm On Feb 24, 2012
Like Ibori, like Sylva!
Me he he he he he
Enemy of State!!!
cheesy
Re: Efcc Slams Sylva With Money Laundering Charges by SSaemoenl(m): 2:46pm On Feb 24, 2012
Then Jonathan will be slams N10Trillion as well. Foolish people.
Re: Efcc Slams Sylva With Money Laundering Charges by lynxnoon(m): 2:55pm On Feb 24, 2012
Na today??
abegi!! angry angry
Re: Efcc Slams Sylva With Money Laundering Charges by Olowojegure: 2:56pm On Feb 24, 2012
I knew all his bravado will result to these. Sèbí he was flexing muscle with the top notch in PDP ní. He should have learnt from the bankole/Nafada saga. Anyway, if he can just surreptitiously beg Jonathan & co, the case will be struck out eventually. PDP nòní
Re: Efcc Slams Sylva With Money Laundering Charges by stepo707: 3:01pm On Feb 24, 2012
Just 5billionnaira? The guy doesn't even know how to steal well.He should learn from Bank ole
Re: Efcc Slams Sylva With Money Laundering Charges by werepeLeri: 3:02pm On Feb 24, 2012
Wait before NairaLanders will tell you say na witch hunting.
Re: Efcc Slams Sylva With Money Laundering Charges by mosindimik(m): 3:04pm On Feb 24, 2012
The game is for the strong at heart! I like politics and i will play it full time, it is interesting, oooops
Re: Efcc Slams Sylva With Money Laundering Charges by Dainfamous: 3:09pm On Feb 24, 2012
Only 5billion? that one na interest embarassed
Re: Efcc Slams Sylva With Money Laundering Charges by zxtos: 3:20pm On Feb 24, 2012
Who are these 'others now at large'? How did the ex-governor slip through their fingers to 'at large'?


Good Question
Re: Efcc Slams Sylva With Money Laundering Charges by Horo(m): 3:27pm On Feb 24, 2012
I knew it will come to this 5bill hmm may God save our dear country from all this corrupt leaders
Re: Efcc Slams Sylva With Money Laundering Charges by jookco(m): 3:46pm On Feb 24, 2012
First the president used the court to remove five Governors because this very man , and now want to nail him with efcc, something is really wrong, this is interesting to see how Mr. President chose to bomb this guy and Ibori at all cost
Re: Efcc Slams Sylva With Money Laundering Charges by iiiyyyk(m): 3:54pm On Feb 24, 2012
EFCC is a shame and failure.

what of bankole and others, by the way what is 5 bill to sylva.
Re: Efcc Slams Sylva With Money Laundering Charges by Marlboro1: 3:56pm On Feb 24, 2012
If you think that is shocking and a big deal, read this about former Imo State Governor Ikedi Ohakim's embezzlement of N57.9 billion  but is being protected by the president and PDP henchmen

Until his appointment as the governor, Ohakim had a 3 bedroom bungalow and a plot land at Prefab Estate. Within 18 months he acquired mansions in major cities.
Some of these properties include:
1.A mansion located at Prefab Aladinma Housing Estate behind St. Andrew’s Anglican Church – valued N100million
2.Two storey building along wetheral road Owerri next to N. Nwasco and Sons Electronic Plaza. Ohakim allegedly bought the building using a fictitious name – valued N120million
3.A palace located at Civic Center Imo Concorde Hotel – valued N800million
4.A mansion for his in-laws at Anara Mbano – valued N150million
5.A house bought through his Commissioner for Youth & Sports [Prof. Nnamdi Obiaraeri] under Property Development Company – located in Prefab Aladinma housing estate behind Startright primary school.
6.A house acquired for his lady friend Ruth Osieme at Ikoyi, Lagos
7.Acquired a mansion at the Parview Estate Ikoyi, Lagos in October 2007 – valued N400million
8.Acquired a mansion at Asokoro Abuja – valued over N400million

Property and Investment Abroad:
1.A house in Kensington London – valued 2.1milion pounds
2.A house in Atlanta USA – valued $2.3milion
3.A house in Maryland USA – valued $2.2milion
4.A five star hotel in South Africa – $27million
5.$10milion investment in Chinese manufacturing company in China

Two secret documents belonging to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission [EFCC], dated August 23rd 2010 with subject “Intelligence Report: Chief Ikedi Godson Ohakim, Governor Imo State, and the other dated July 2nd 2010 with subject “Intelligence Report: conspiracy, diversion of public funds and money laundering against governor Ohakim of Imo State” which was recently made available to 247ureports.com through sources close to the anti-graft agency reveals that the former governor of Imo State, Mr. Ikedi Ohakim may have committed financial crimes against the treasury of Imo State that is more damning than was publicly known.

According to the document, in the period leading to the final days of the former Governor’s stay in office, Mr. Ikedi Ohakim used conspiracy, diversion of public funds and money laundering to liquidate the various accounts of Imo State.  On the eve of Ohakim’s departure from the State, the local government joint account housed at Bank PHB Account number 082112000037 was drawn down to zero Naira. This was following Mr. Ohakim”s coerced collection of N2.8billion from 307 of the Councilors through his Special Assistant on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

The document indicted Ohakim on the use of four road construction companies as fronts to siphon monies from Imo State government. The companies used were stated as – CODUC Construction[owned by his brother in law Mr. Chinedu Chukwuonye], Solid Foundation Construction [owned by his business partner], AMAIFEKE Construction [owned by HRH Eze Okeke], and Zerock Construction Company [owned by his political godfather and former governor of Abia State]. Among the many deals with the companies mentioned is the award of a 15kilometer road to Solid Foundation Construction for a whooping sum of N1.3billion – equivalent to N87million per kilometer. The road stretches from Standard Shoe Industry to Amulu Mbieri.

Prior to Ohakim’s accession to the seat of governor, Chinedu Chukwuonye lived at No 37 Savannah Street, Aguda Surulere, Lagos and had an “office” along Sanusi Road in Lagos before he relocated to Imo State to start CODUC Construction. The company then,did not have materials and equipment for construction but has now transformed into one of the biggest construction companies in Imo State with “State of the art equipments” valued at over N7billion.

According to the document, the former governor also utilized other companies as fronts. On Friday November 9th 2007, he secretly awarded the supply of IBC transmitters to Pinnacle Communication Nigeria Limited for the sum of N776.32million. On June 5th, 2008, some sub-standard transmitters were installed. The transmitters have not worked till date.

In terms of security of the state, the former governor was reported to have siphoned a minimum of N6billion. This is as he appropriated the sum of N6billion in the 2009 Appropriation Bill for “the provision of security and purchase of operational vehicles” to police. The N6billion was spent but not for what it was meant for. It was later discovered that the vehicles were bought by Commercial Banks operating in the State.

EFCC Intelligence reports of July 2nd 2010 further disclosed that the former governor of Imo State mismanaged public funds to the extent that the indebtedness of the state became staggering as salaries are paid using overdraft facilities obtained from Commercial Banks that in turn,charge high interest rates. As at July 2010, the indebtedness of the State stood at over N70billion.

Persons manipulated in the alleged mismanagement of the State funds include Emmanuel Ohakim [Chief of Staff and relation to the former governor], Onuoha Chukwem [Special Assistant], Anselem Okorie [Special Assistant on Millennium Development Goals].

The document reveals that monies from Ohakim’s fraudulent financial activities were paid into a particular bank account believed to be the personal and confidential account of Ikedi Ohakim. The particulars of the Bank account are J. O. Edeson and Sons – Zenith International Bank PLC, Account number 6010176554.

Acquisition of properties:

Until his appointment as the governor, Ohakim had a 3 bedroom bungalow and a plot land at Prefab Estate. Within 18 months he acquired mansions in major cities.

Some of these properties include:
1.A mansion located at Prefab Aladinma Housing Estate behind St. Andrew’s Anglican Church – valued N100million
2.Two storey building along wetheral road Owerri next to N. Nwasco and Sons Electronic Plaza. Ohakim allegedly bought the building using a fictitious name – valued N120million
3.A palace located at Civic Center Imo Concorde Hotel – valued N800million
4.A mansion for his in-laws at Anara Mbano – valued N150million
5.A house bought through his Commissioner for Youth & Sports [Prof. Nnamdi Obiaraeri] under Property Development Company – located in Prefab Aladinma housing estate behind Startright primary school.
6.A house acquired for his lady friend Ruth Osieme at Ikoyi, Lagos
7.Acquired a mansion at the Parview Estate Ikoyi, Lagos in October 2007 – valued N400million
8.Acquired a mansion at Asokoro Abuja – valued over N400million

Property and Investment Abroad:
1.A house in Kensington London – valued 2.1milion pounds
2.A house in Atlanta USA – valued $2.3milion
3.A house in Maryland USA – valued $2.2milion
4.A five star hotel in South Africa – $27million
5.$10milion investment in Chinese manufacturing company in China

In summation, both documents recommend that additional covert activity be conducted with a view to obtaining more information .It is also recommended that operatives be detailed to the state to covertly gather information that will assist further investigations. Sources within the Commission reveal that the former governor remains of interest to the Commission.
Re: Efcc Slams Sylva With Money Laundering Charges by ofala(m): 4:12pm On Feb 24, 2012
If you ask me, EFCC is either not truthful or are being obstructed or misguided from properly doing their job. There are lots of thieving politicians that should be in jail now. EFCC should please save us this sort of noise and quitely get down to work, Our system needs to be sanitised with less noise
Re: Efcc Slams Sylva With Money Laundering Charges by pejol: 4:14pm On Feb 24, 2012
USE YOUR ID CARDS,FRINGER PRINT AND PASSWORD TO LOCK N UNLOCK YOUR DOOR
EXCELLENT HIGH SECURITY DIGITAL DOOR LOCK PLUS DEAD LOCK
USING 2-15 DIGITS. FOREIGNERS NEVER KNOW SECURITY CODE INPUT BY USER)
LOCKING WHEN THE DOOR IS CLOSED (NO WORRY ABOUT LOCKING EVEN IN FORGETFUL PERSON)
ELECTRIC POWER SAVING BY DEVELOPED MECHANICAL SYSTEM (BATTERY CHANGE : MORE 2YEARS = 15,000TIMES)
EASY TO READ KEYPAD IN THE DARK AREA (AUTOMATIC LIGHTING SYSTEM)
call : +2348078440712 or email:wanpele4good@yahoo.com, bb ping:21C56585

Re: Efcc Slams Sylva With Money Laundering Charges by GoldCircle: 4:27pm On Feb 24, 2012
way to go jare! this is what Farida couldn't do!someone that can not count her teeth with her tongue. waiting to be told every damn thing!
Re: Efcc Slams Sylva With Money Laundering Charges by Flameboy26(m): 4:41pm On Feb 24, 2012
beaf watz hppnin 2ur kinzmen, thievein president of retardeen guvnor of mooronic ijawz. Ndi oli
Re: Efcc Slams Sylva With Money Laundering Charges by Nobody: 4:43pm On Feb 24, 2012
He needs to be imprisoned for life if found guilty! Too much pronounced corruptions in that country. Jeez!
Re: Efcc Slams Sylva With Money Laundering Charges by kruku: 4:44pm On Feb 24, 2012
Good business! Stole 50 Billion, charged of stealing 5 billion, is'nt a very good deal? grin
Re: Efcc Slams Sylva With Money Laundering Charges by vitality22(m): 4:47pm On Feb 24, 2012
STORY ! STORYYYYYYYYYYY ! STOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORY

Msceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeew na today?
Re: Efcc Slams Sylva With Money Laundering Charges by Bright2(m): 6:29pm On Feb 24, 2012
Pls,don't remain some of this money,don't finish it tomorrow is my own turn. After me na u! Turn by turn Nija will continue to run without spare tyre. grin
Re: Efcc Slams Sylva With Money Laundering Charges by obicmag(m): 7:50pm On Feb 24, 2012
I cannot understand why Mr Ohakim(Ikiri 1 of Imo state) is still walking about freely. Does it mean that EFCC can not put up charges against him? Or unseen powers are protecting him from arrest.That man siphoned and milked IMO state dry. He should cough out all the state money he stole while in office. Let it serve as a deterrant to every politician. EFCC should leave up to expectation if Mr president actually wants to write his name in the book of history.

Re: Efcc Slams Sylva With Money Laundering Charges by BetaThings: 7:58pm On Feb 24, 2012
werepeLeri:

Wait before NairaLanders will tell you say na witch hunting.
Of course not!
The only thing we are hunting is over N1.5TR spent on subsidy without NASS appropriation
That is the equivalent of stealing a whole African country!
Re: Efcc Slams Sylva With Money Laundering Charges by BetaThings: 8:00pm On Feb 24, 2012
obicmag:

I cannot understand why Mr Ohakim(Ikiri 1 of Imo state) is still walking about freely. Does it mean that EFCC can not put up charges against him? Or unseen powers are protecting him from arrest.That man siphoned and milked IMO state dry. He should cough out all the state money he stole while in office. Let it serve as a deterrant to other corrupt politicians. EFCC should leave up to expectation if Mr president actually wants to write his name in the book of history.
EVERY politician holding an elective office is corrupt.
Please delete other
Re: Efcc Slams Sylva With Money Laundering Charges by muyoto: 9:06pm On Feb 24, 2012
what took EFCC so long?? tongue tongue
Re: Efcc Slams Sylva With Money Laundering Charges by saibuhari(m): 9:35pm On Feb 24, 2012
Another political motivated charge. I wonder why Sylva who just left office and not the likes of Ohakim, Gbenga Daniel, et al. I smell a rat in the whole thing. This Lamorde will be another Ribadu who was a willing tool in the hands of the president. The same circle all the time and nothing changes. No one is speaking for Sylva for all politicians in Nigeria are thieves but is it because Sylva is enemy of the president?
Re: Efcc Slams Sylva With Money Laundering Charges by member479760: 9:57pm On Feb 24, 2012
Mr. 1600 is out for the guy, foolish man.
Re: Efcc Slams Sylva With Money Laundering Charges by doctokwus: 10:34pm On Feb 24, 2012
Wat is N5b to a nigerian gov.Is this what EFCC calls a new leaf? Pls if dis guy(as much as I hate his incompetence& can drug tendencies) is bein prosecuted for stealing a mere N5b,den he is a saint amongts thieves

(1) (2) (Reply)

Shocking Story Abouth The North And Their Ageda For Nigerian (pics) / Forget About The Lies And Deceits, Aba Is In Total Decay - Twitter User / Ekweremadu Seeks Buhari’s Support For Creation Of State Police

(Go Up)

Sections: politics (1) business autos (1) jobs (1) career education (1) romance computers phones travel sports fashion health
religion celebs tv-movies music-radio literature webmasters programming techmarket

Links: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10)

Nairaland - Copyright © 2005 - 2024 Oluwaseun Osewa. All rights reserved. See How To Advertise. 51
Disclaimer: Every Nairaland member is solely responsible for anything that he/she posts or uploads on Nairaland.