New KWIRS boss, Shade Omoniyi, connived with ex-minister to divert N3bn airport fund – EFCC

The new Chairman of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS)
may have landed in trouble following the discovery of her connivance
with the former minister of Aviation, Senator Stella Oduah to divert
the sum of N3, 289,530,738.00, according to the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Senator Oduah was said to have connived with banks officials to divert
part of the N9.5 billion fund for security equipment at airports
during her tenure.
According to the anti-graft agency, Oduah who was minister of Aviation
between 2012 and 2014 used the money to procure broadcast equipment
for Crystal Television Ltd., newspaper printing press, six dredgers
and quarry.
The EFCC made these claims in an affidavit to support a suit filed
before the Federal High Court against the senator.
The EFCC has already secured an interim forfeiture order on the items
allegedly procured with the diverted fund. The order was granted on
October 18 by Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Abuja Division of the FHC.
The case will come up for further proceedings on November 19.
The agency said some of the dredgers and other items are being kept in
many parts of the country, particularly in Bayelsa, Rivers and the
Federal Capital Territory.
Omoniyi, then Group Head, Public Sector of First Bank, Lagos was I-Sec
Security Nigeria Ltd’s account officer, who oversees and monitors the
operation of the Project Account 2.
The EFCC’s affidavit said: “On the 13th of July 2013, the EFCC
received a petition written against the former Minister of Aviation,
Princess Stella Oduah, alleging that she used her position as minister
to swindle Federal Government of about N22billion.
“Another petition by the National Union of Air Transport Employees
(NUATE) was received on 22nd of July 2013 alleging financial
recklessness, duplication of contracts, theft and abuse of due process
against the former minister.
“Preliminary investigation conducted revealed the following facts: On
7th September, 2012 the Federal Ministry of Aviation awarded a
contract for the procurement and installation of security equipment at
the nation’s 22 airports to I-Sec Security Nigeria Ltd at the cost of
N9,443,549,531.25 only and the award was accepted by I-Sec Security
Nigeria Ltd through its letter dated. 8th September 2012.
“I-Sec Security Nigeria Ltd entered into a contract agreement with the
Federal Ministry of Aviation, dated 11th September 2012
“I-Sec Security Nigeria Ltd opened an account known as ‘Project
Account 2’ for the execution of the contract with First Bank of
Nigeria Plc, No: 2021756955 based on an already existing mandate of an
account opened earlier with the bank on the instruction of the
Minister of Aviation.
“The signatories to the earlier account opened by I-Sec Security
Nigeria Ltd with First Bank Plc are Ayokunle Ajayi and Apochi Igho.
“On the 8th October 2012 the Federal Ministry of Aviation transferred
the sum of N5,652,650,414.98 to I-Sec Security Nigeria Ltd’s Project
Account 2.
“The Ministry of Aviation exercised a lien on the funds paid into
I-Sec Security Nigeria Ltd’s Project Account 2 as the company could
only make withdrawals from the account based on milestones attained,
but on the express approval given in writing by the former minister.
“I-Sec Security Nigeria Ltd on 11th. June 2013 withdrew and utilised
the sum of N1,476,237,652.20 for the purchase of security equipment
through Form M.
“The former minister abused her office and position and fraudulently
conspired with Mrs. Shade Omoniyi, between 13th September 2013. and
5th February 2013 to transfer the sum of N3,289,530,738.00 from I-Sec
Security Nigeria Ltd’s Project Account 2. to five companies linked to
the former minister, without the authorisation of the two signatories
to the account – Messrs Apochi Igho, who is the Managing Director and
Ayokunle Ajayi.
“The five companies to which monies were transferred are: Broadwaters
Resources Company Ltd (N839,780,738.09); Global Offshore and Marine
Ltd (N1,629,250,000.00); Mczoll Resources Ltd (N216,000,000.00);
Glosat Security Services Ltd (N300,000,000.00). and Merry Aviation
Communication Electronics Industry Nig. Ltd (N285,000,000.00).
Meanwhile, the embattled KWIRS boss is said to be making frantic
efforts in order to get herself off the anti-graft agency’s hook.
A source who pleaded anonymity informed this medium, last night that
Omoniyi has remained unsettled ever since reports of her involvement
in the N3.2billion scandal went viral.
“Shade Omoniyi is presently reaching out to high profile individuals
including some of her former clients at First Bank to get herself off
the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) hook given that
she recently secured a ‘juicy appointment’ as the Kwara State Internal
Revenue Service Chairman,” the source divulged.