Ex-Head of Service, Winifred Oyo-Ita, Accused of Diverting N3bn Public Funds Through Shell Companies
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In an ongoing trial at the Federal High Court, Abuja, a witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accused Winifred Oyo-Ita, a former Head of Service of the Federation (HoS), of diverting over N3 billion in public funds through shell companies.
Hamma Adama Bello, the eighth prosecution witness (PW8), testified before Justice James Omotosho that Oyo-Ita, alongside her special assistants and several companies, face 18 charges bordering on misappropriation, corruption, money laundering, and criminal diversion of funds.
Bello alleged that Oyo-Ita used two companies, Slopes International Limited and Good Deal Investments Limited, to funnel government contracts to herself through Garba Umar, another defendant listed as the fourth defendant.
Financial records presented by Bello showed a transfer of N42,748,201.47 to Good Deal Investments’ Zenith Bank account in February 2019. The witness further claimed that Umar, an employee of the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, incorporated the company with Oyo-Ita’s knowledge. Umar reportedly admitted to receiving these funds and paying Oyo-Ita a portion.
Another suspicious transaction involved N20,202,7142 transferred to Asanaya Projects Ltd., a company allegedly incorporated by Ugbong Effiok (the seventh defendant) with Oyo-Ita’s knowledge. Investigations revealed that Effiok approved payments to himself or his company and allegedly shared the proceeds with Oyo-Ita.
Bello also presented evidence linking Oyo-Ita to U and U Global Services Ltd., another company allegedly controlled by Effiok. The witness claimed the company received substantial payments disguised as Duty Tour Allowances (DTAs) and estacodes between 2015 and 2018. One such payment, totaling N40,313,453.58, reportedly came directly from the federal government.
Further investigation into Prince Mega Logistics Ltd., another company with ties to Effiok, revealed multiple transfers totaling N15,050,000. The witness alleged that funds from this account were distributed to Oyo-Ita, Effiok, and other individuals.
The prosecution also presented evidence of communication retrieved from Oyo-Ita’s phone, showing conversations with contractors, subordinates, and permanent secretaries. Bello added that Oyo-Ita voluntarily provided a statement to the EFCC.
The trial is ongoing, and Oyo-Ita has not yet been called upon to defend the allegations.
