N4.75bn arms cash: Obanikoro refunds N100.4m to EFCC … may regain freedom .

Former Minister of Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, yesterday paid N100.4m out of about N785m allegedly collected from the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA) by Sylvan McNamara Limited, a company which was allegedly linked to him.

It is unclear when the ex-Minister will pay the balance, but there are indications that he had entered into a commitment with the EFCC. The ex-Minister may regain freedom any moment from now, following the partial fulfilment of his undertaking.
It was learnt that a prima facie case has been established “beyond reasonable doubt” against Obanikoro. A top source in the EFCC said: “After many days of foot-dragging, he has paid back N100.4m.
This, however, does not mean that we are dropping any charges against him. Our objective is first of all to recover the illegal funds. The decision on his trial will depend on the review of his case and the extent to which he is liable.
You know the ex-Minister has admitted flying over N1.299billion to Akure in two shuttles for Gov. Fayose. He also confessed that he personally gave $5.377m (N60m then) cash to Fayose.
He admitted on oath that he was used to siphon public funds meant for arms purchase. These are all criminal offences which are punishable by the nation’s laws. The testimonies of Obanikoro will hasten his trial and ongoing prosecution of all the suspects implicated in the arms cash.”