Saraki Vs EFCC: Witness Changes Testimony Against Former Senate President

A retired controller of Finance and Account, of the Kwara State Government House, during Bukola Saraki government, Isiaka Kareem, on Wednesday changed his earlier testimony against former President of the Senate, Saraki.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission witness had earlier stated that the former lawmaker instructed him to release the sum of N100 million monthly to Mr. Abdul Adama, Saraki’s personal assistant at the time.

He further stated that Mr. Adama signed the prescribed forms and register for all monies collected which were for security and contingency.

Kareem, however, under cross-examination from Saraki’s team led by senior advocate, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, testified that as an accountant, he was familiar with the State’s budget and that he knew there were provisions for ‘security and contingency’, the headings under which the monthly payments were made to Adama.

The witness who revealed that he served in the civil service for more than 30 years, noted that during his service at the Kwara State Government House, he had no personal relationship with Saraki and knows nothing about his properties or how he acquired them.

He further stated that he never deposited into Saraki’s account, never handed any cash to him, and also stated that the budgetary allocation for which Adama, Saraki’s PA, received that funds were budgeted for under the security and contingencies allocation.

He added that the allocation, which amounted to N100million a month, was utilised only while Saraki was in office until May 2011.

Kareem noted that it was not every month he paid N100 million to Adama, contrary to the EFCC’s claims.

The witness was, however, re-examined and discharged.

The matter was adjourned to 25th November 2020 for conclusion of the hearing of the EFCC’s witnesses.