Ex-NNPC GMD Andrew Yakubu reveals how he got seized N3bn

Andrew Yakubu, a former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has claimed that the around N3 billion ($9,772,800 and £74,000) recently recovered from him was gift from well-wishers.

Ex-NNPC GMD Andrew Yakubu is now in EFCC custody

The Nation reports that Yakubu said the money recovered from his Kaduna home by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was part of gifts he recieved during ceremonies.

However, Yakubu, who is now in EFCC custody, did not mention the ceremonies at which he got the money or those who gave him the gift but he denied that the funds were proceeds of crime.

He was said to have made the claim in a court document filed on his behalf before the Federal High Court in Abuja by Dolapo Kehinde, one of his lawyers.

Kehinde said: “In specific reply thereto, the applicant (Yakubu) states that the monies in respect of which the applicant is being held by the respondents are ‘gifts and goodwill by well-wishers and friends’ given to him ‘during celebrations and ceremonies’ and not proceeds of crime’ as alleged.’

“Furthermore, I know that there is no investigation or ‘finding’ whatsoever by the first respondent (EFCC) that has proven contrary.”

Kehinde said Yakubu did not receive the money as a public officer, but saved it for a period of five years.

He added: “The applicant (Yakubu) dee first respondent’s (EFCC’s) counter-affidavit.

“In reply thereto, the applicant states that the monies concerned were not given to him as a public servant or while he was a servant.

“The applicant humbly relies on Exhibit B hereof where he is quoted as saying: ‘These were periodic savings for over five years.

“The applicant (Yakubu) did not breach any provisions of the Independent Practices and other Related Offences Act or indeed any law.”

Meanwhile, Yakubu is asking the Federal High Court in Abuja to award N1 billion in his favour as damages against EFCC for violation‎ of his rights.

Among other things, he also wants the court to declare that his continued detention by the EFCC without being charged to court or allowed to complete his medical procedure in the United Kingdom was a violation of his rights.