How NSA paid Dokpesi N2.1bn for “media campaign” – Witness

Eight months after arraignment, the trial of media mogul, Raymond Dokpesi today began with the first prosecution witness revealing how Dokpesi was paid N2.1billion for media campaign by the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).    Led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), the witness, Mukaddas Aliyu Mohammed, a manager, Payment […]

Eight months after arraignment, the trial of media mogul, Raymond Dokpesi today began with the first prosecution witness revealing how Dokpesi was paid N2.1billion for media campaign by the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA). 

 

Led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), the witness, Mukaddas Aliyu Mohammed, a manager, Payment Section of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Abuja branch told the court that a total of N2.1billion was paid in four payments mandates from of the office of the NSA to DAAR Investment & Holding company Ltd. 

 

"When the mandates came to our office, they were confirmed by the head of office and duly verified. 

 

"After the verification, we effected the payments", he said. 

 

The witness said the mandate payment brought on 21/01/2015 was for the amount of N500m and the purpose of the payment was "payment for media campaign". 

 

He said the signatories to the account was the National Security Adviser and the Director of Finance, Office of the NSA.

 

"The mandate for the N500m was signed by M.S. Dasuki and S.A. Salisu and after we verified the signatures, we effected the payments", he said

 

He said the second payment mandate was dated 2nd February, 2015 and the amount covered by this mandate was also N500m and the purpose of the payment was also "payment for media campaign"

 

The witness said the third mandate was dated 9th February, 2015 and the amount was N620m and the fourth mandate dated 19/03/2015 was for N500m. Purpose for both payments are also "payment for media campaign".

 

Under cross examination by lead defense counsel, Wole Olanipekun (SAN), the witness revealed that the four mandates used to effect payment to Dokpesi’s company also authorised payments totalling over N24billion to other companies and institutions. 

 

This total included N60.6m credited to the Presidential Air Fleet; N13.6m credited to Macmac General Enterprises Nigeria Ltd for supply of rice to IDPs; and N2billion credited to AR Security Solution Ltd for personnel support and logistics.