A former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Vincent Ogbulafor, Tuesday told an Abuja High Court that he collected the sum of N2 million from one of his associates as donation for his party’s campaign funds.
Ogbulafor, who is facing allegations of fraud, allegedly committed the offence, while he was Minister of Special Duties.He was charged on 17-counts alongside Emeka Ebilah, a former member of the National Economic Intelligence Committee (NEIC) for conspiracy and award of fictitious contracts valued at N104 million in 2001.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had indicted Emperor Nigeria Limited: N15 million; DHL Consultants Limited N12.3 million; Chekwas Industries Ltd: N27.2 million; Ebilah-Salmon and Partners: N6.7 million; Henchriko Nigeria Limited: N93.3 million; and Comp-Con Associates: N13.6 million as firms used for the alleged fraud.
Ogbulafor, who opened his defence in the trial, explained while being examined by defence counsel, James Egwuonwu, that Ebilah gave him N2 million on October 25, 2001 to support his campaign for the post of secretary of the PDP.
He explained that prior to the donation, he had resigned his position as a minister under President Olusegun Obasanjo administration on October 8, 2001.
While stating that he did not know if the money was part of proceeds from the alleged un-executed contracts, he added that he did not play any role in the verification of the contract because he was not a member of NEIC.
Meanwhile, Justice Ishaq Bello adjourned the case to June 6 for cross-examination and continuation of defence.
…………THIS DAY
JD:Hm,can’t comment!the case is in court!
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