Mr Ope Saraki, a cousin to the former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, is being prosecuted by the EFCC for allegedly procuring a contract to the tune of N220million through Chemiroy Nigeria Limited.
A new disclosure emerged yesterday following the testimony of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Dr. John Adeyeye Abiodun who testified before the Kwara State High Court that the Former Special Assistant to the Kwara State Governor on Millenium Development Goals, MDGs, Alhaji Ope Saraki, committed no fraud in the award of contact while he was serving the state.
The contract involved the purchase of 13 units of ambulances for General/Specialist Hospitals in Kwara State.
At the resumed sitting, the EFCC witness, Dr. Adeyeye (Director of Jaad Hospital Needs Limited), being led in evidence by counsel to the Commission Sesan Ola, narrated how the job was executed and delivered to Chemiroy Nigeria Limited certifying Saraki made no benefits nor gains in the award of the contract and further proves he’s clean.
In his words, “My Lord, I know the defendant. His name is Mr. Ope Saraki. My company bided for a contract for purchase and supply of 13 (thirteen) ambulances for the Kwara State Government but was later awarded to a company called Chemiroy Nigeria Limited after I had submitted all relevant documents and participated in the bidding process. I expressed my disappointment in Mr. Ope Saraki, who happens to be my friend since our University days.
“The defendant (Saraki) later introduced me to Chemiroy Nigeria Limited and we both agreed that I should equip the 13 (Thirteen) purchased Toyota Hiace and convert it to Ambulances. We agreed to equip them at the sum of N3million each. At a point, funds stopped coming from Chemiroy, I now approached Saraki for a loan.
“We finished the job and delivered to Chemiroy. We paid back the loan. While some were paid through bank transfer some were paid to the defendant in cash”.
Under Cross-examination, the defendant’s 6-man legal team, headed by Sulyman Abaya, evaluated the contractor on his reactions towards Saraki rejection of his proposal.
The witness, in his response, said he was bittered when Saraki failed to cede to his proposal adding that he was later subcontracted through Chemiroy Nigeria Limited – to upgrade the busses to ambulance.
He added that he eventually realised that Saraki was bent on following due process that governs his position of office rather than satisfy a friend.
He emphasized that the defendant did not collect any bribe from him in any way or form nor did he ask for any form of gratification.
The witness agreed with Saraki’s counsel that the suit before Justice Akinpelu is also the same case pending before the Federal High Court since 2015 which has not been decided adding that he’s also a witness in it.
Abaya, while addressing the press after the court session, expressed confidence in the Nigeria judicial system and the judge handling the case but lamented that his client is no longer being prosecuted but persecuted.
He said it is in total contravention of the law for the EFCC to institute the same suit pending before High court at the state High Court saying the two courts are of the same jurisdictions
“The development makes it appears like my client is being singled out for attack.
An attempt by the EFCC counsel to further make any reexamination on the witness was countered by Abaya while the judge, agreed with him and the case was adjourned till September 23, 2021 for the continuation of trial.
Credit: Holisticinfo
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