EFCC witness withdraws from Gbenga Daniel’s corruption trial over commission’s ‘scandalous’ recruitment
Tunde Oladunjoye, a principal Prosecution Witness in the ongoing trial of former Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel, has withdrawn from being a witness in the case; accusing the prosecutor of improper handling of the trial.
Mr. Daniel is being prosecuted by the Economic and Finance Crimes Commission, EFCC, for mismanagement of state funds while he was Ogun governor (2003-2011). Mr. Oladunjoye, a former ally of the ex-governor, served as Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State during Mr. Daniel’s tenure.
Findings by PREMIUM TIMES reveal that Mr. Oladunjoye sent a protest letter to the EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde, citing reasons for his decision. The witness faulted the appointment of Mr. Daniel’s former aide as a Chief of Staff at the EFCC.
“Mr. Kayode Oladele was the Special Adviser on NGOs and Counsel to Mr. Gbenga Daniel during the era for which Mr. Gbenga Daniel is currently being tried in court by EFCC. This appointment, to say the least, is immoral and scandalous,” Mr. Oladunjoye said.
He said as a result of the appointment, Mr. Daniel has been boasting that he would be freed in his trial.
“This appointment, to say the least, is immoral and scandalous. Nigeria is now a subject of ridicule before the international community. Mr. Daniel has returned to public glare laughing, even as he has been boasting all over, even in a recent newspaper interview, that nothing will come out of the EFCC trial.
“Daniel is also boasting that he is a favourite of; and South West Coordinator for President Goodluck Jonathan and that he will be given the same role for 2015 and therefore no one can touch him. True?” Mr. Oladunjoye stated.
