Paragraph 1: Unveiling the Alleged Financial Misconduct
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has initiated legal proceedings against Augustine Olowoniyan, a former Deputy Director of Highways at the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, and Sulaiman Muhammed, a surveyor. The duo stands accused of diverting and misappropriating public funds exceeding N1.9 billion. These funds were designated for acquiring titles for federal roads across Nigeria between March 2019 and July 2020. The EFCC’s prosecution is based on a three-count charge under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. The case unfolds before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Apo, Abuja.
Paragraph 2: Testimony of the First Witness – Unraveling the Banking Transactions
The EFCC presented William Abimbola, a compliance officer from United Bank for Africa (UBA), as its first witness. Abimbola detailed how UBA responded to the EFCC’s request for information regarding several accounts linked to Olowoniyan, Muhammed, and a third party, Ogueri Paschal. He explained the bank’s meticulous process of retrieving, printing, and verifying account statements and account opening documents. The information, securely stored on UBA’s computer servers, was extracted, compared with hard copies, and subsequently forwarded to the EFCC. Abimbola’s testimony highlighted the bank’s internal control mechanisms to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the provided financial records.
Paragraph 3: Admissible Evidence and Adjournment
The court deemed several documents admissible as evidence, including the EFCC’s initial letter to UBA dated October 30, 2023, UBA’s reply dated October 31, 2023, and the certificate of compliance. These documents, marked as Exhibit PW1A, strengthened the prosecution’s case. Another reply from UBA concerning Ogueri Paschal was also admitted as Exhibit PW1B. This evidence pointed towards the link between the accused parties and the alleged financial transactions under scrutiny. Justice Onwuegbuzie then adjourned the proceedings to May 26 and 29, 2025, allowing ample time for further investigation and the presentation of additional evidence.
Paragraph 4: A Parallel Investigation – Zenith Bank’s Testimony
In a separate but related development, another case involving Olowoniyan unfolded. Remigus Ugwu, a Zenith Bank employee, testified as the prosecution’s first witness in this case. Ugwu revealed that Zenith Bank received investigation requests from the EFCC in 2021 and 2023. These requests sought account opening documents and statements for Olowoniyan, Olasehinde Jolami, and Mohammed Ahmad, all customers of Zenith Bank. Ugwu’s testimony brought to light Olowoniyan’s four accounts held at Zenith Bank, further expanding the scope of the financial investigation. The connection between Olowoniyan and the other individuals, Jolami and Ahmad, through their shared banking institution added another layer to the investigation.
Paragraph 5: Connecting the Dots – A Web of Financial Activities
The intertwined nature of these cases suggests a potentially complex web of financial activities. The involvement of multiple banks, UBA and Zenith Bank, and several individuals beyond the initial two defendants, points towards a potentially wider network of transactions that warrant investigation. The EFCC’s meticulous approach in gathering evidence from different financial institutions demonstrates its commitment to uncovering the full extent of the alleged misappropriation. The prosecution’s strategy of presenting witnesses from both banks strengthens their case by providing a comprehensive picture of the financial transactions under scrutiny.
Paragraph 6: Implications and Future Proceedings
The ongoing trial carries significant implications for public accountability and the fight against corruption in Nigeria. The alleged misappropriation of funds earmarked for essential public infrastructure projects such as federal roads is a serious offense. The EFCC’s pursuit of these cases underscores its dedication to upholding the rule of law and recovering misappropriated public funds. The upcoming court dates will be crucial in determining the fate of the accused and the progress of this high-profile case. The outcome of these trials will likely set a precedent for future cases involving corruption and financial crimes within the public sector.
