The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has included former Minister of  Petroleum, Diezani Allison-Madueke in an amended charge against a former governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Mohammed Dele Belgore (SAN), and a former Minister of Planning, Professor Abubakar Sulaiman.

EFCC prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo on Monday told the court to allow the amended charge be read for a fresh plea to be taken.

Madueke has been alleged to have taken possession of N450 million in conspiration with Belgore and Sulaiman in March 2015.

The charge stated that the funds were part of the proceeds of unlawful act.

The trio were also alleged to have taken the said funds in cash, which exceeded the amount authorized by law, without going through the financial institutions.

Belgore and Sulaiman were also alleged to have paid the 50 million Naira to Sheriff Shagaya, without going through the banks.

A witness, Timothy Olaobaju who is a banker told the court that Alison-Madueke, stashed a sum of $115,010,000 in his bank.

He said Madueke gave instructions for the money to be changed it into naira and distributed among certain individuals in the 36 states of the federation.

The beneficiaries according to the witness included the two defendants who both received 450million Naira and filled a receipt form to acknowledge the payment.

The receipt form filled by the defendants were then tendered by the EFCC and admitted by the courts as exhibits in the case.

The court adjourned the matter till Tuesday, March 14, 2017 for cross-examination of the witness, and continuation of trial.

Azeez