One of the witnesses in the trial
of Raymond Dokpesi, former chairman of DAAR Communications, has spoken on how
he allegedly received huge sums of money from the media mogul.
Testifying at the federal high
court, Abuja, on Wednesday, Ayobami Oluwarinu, a prosecution witness, said
Dokpesi paid him about N68 million for renovation and building work.
He told the court he became aware
of the case against Dokpesi after receiving a call from the Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to clarify what the money was meant for.
Dokpesi is being tried by the
commission for allegedly receiving N2.1 billion from the office of the national
security adviser — during the last administration — without executing any
contract.
“I got a call from EFCC that I
should come to the Abuja office and clarify the transactions that took place
between my companies and DAAR Investment Ltd., which led to the transfers to my
account,” he said.
The bank document showed the
transactions was tendered before the court by the prosecutor.
The witness confirmed that monies
were transferred on six tranches into the accounts of two of his companies,
Archisynthesis Ltd. and Wood Country Investment Ltd.
He said the monies were for
design, construction and renovation works at Dokpesi’s country home at
Aghenegbode in Edo and DAAR Communications studios nationwide.
“One of the studios work is at
Kpaduma Asokoro Abuja, others are located across the country, because I’m his
sole architect,” the witness said.
When asked if there was
documented evidence for the contract to build and renovate, Oluwarinu said he
had worked for Dokpesi since 1993 and documentation had never been an issue.
“I cannot recall whether we had
an oral or written agreement for the jobs because my relationship with him is
cordial and I have worked for him since 1993.”
Dokpesi had earlier pleaded not
guilty to the amended seven-count charge filed against him.
John Tsoho, judge handling the
case, adjourned the matter till May 28, for continuation of trial.
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