The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) told the Federal High Court, on Tuesday, that the former Head of Service, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita, and others awarded contracts worth ₦3 billion to their own companies.
Oyo-Ita and others are standing trial on the allegations of fraud regarding duty tour allowance, estacodes, conference fees, and receiving kickbacks on contracts to the tune of ₦3 billion.
Oyo-Ita was in March 2020, arraigned by the EFCC alongside her Special Assistant, Ubong Effiok, Frontline Ace Global Services Limited, Asanaya Projects Ltd, Garba Umar and his companies, Slopes International Ltd and Good Deal Investments Ltd.
The intelligence bordered on the activities. The 1st defendant was the permanent secretary then, and other staff including Effiok, the 7th defendant.
According to the agency’s eighth witness, Hamma-Adama Bello, “The team started the investigation. In the course of the investigation, we called for documents. The nature of the intelligence was such that the 1st and 7th defendants and a host of others were using their office to get contracts for companies they incorporated or had an interest in.”
The witness said the team invited Oyo-Ita and her Special Assistant, Effiok, having received analyzed documents relating to the intelligence.
According to him, it was discovered that the 1st defendant was the beneficial owner of two companies: Frontline Ace Global Services Limited and Asanaya Projects Ltd.
Bello also told the court their investigation revealed that Oyo-Ita maintained two accounts in a new generation bank for Frontline Ace Global Services Limited.
“It was discovered that the 1st defendant severally sat as chairman, CEO of Frontline Ace Global Services Ltd where she issued both resolutions to open the said accounts, “ he added.
The presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, adjourned the matter till January 26 for the continuation of trial.
