The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Thursday, called its 15th witness in the money laundering trial of a former Governor of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose.
NAIJAONPOINT , Mr Joseph Machleb, was led in examination by the prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN).
In his examination in chief, on Thursday, NAIJAONPOINT who is not fluent in the English language told the court that he lived in Akure, Ondo State.
He told the court that he works for a construction company known as Samchase Nigeria Ltd., as a mechanic.
When asked if he knew a company called JJ Technical Services Ltd., he answered Yes.
He told the court that the company was jointly incorporated by himself and his elder brother.
He also told the court that they handed over the company to one Azeez Michelle to solicit contracts for the company.
When quizzed on whether the company was involved in buying of property, he said, “I don’t know anything about that.
“I didn’t authorise Michelle to buy property; I only told him to look for contracts for the company.”
During cross-examination by the defence counsel, Mr Olalekan Ojo (SAN), NAIJAONPOINT told the court that he did not authorise in writing, one Azeez Michelle to execute any transaction for the company, JJ Technical Services.
Ojo then asked: “If I give you any document that shows you authorised the same, will you remember?”
NAIJAONPOINT replied: “Maybe, I will.”
Ojo then applied that a document dated Nov. 20, 2013, be shown to NAIJAONPOINT for purposes of refreshing his memory pursuant to the provisions of Section 239 of the Evidence Act.
The prosecutor did not object.
When shown the document, NAIJAONPOINT identified his signature and admitted signing the same.
The defence counsel tendered the evidence before the court and it was admitted and marked as Exhibit A20.
On further cross-examination by Ojo, NAIJAONPOINT told the court that JJ Technical Services authorised the said Azeez Michelle to sign and execute documents, letters and instructions on behalf of the company.
When asked if he knew whether, on the strength of Exhibit A20, Michelle executed many transactions on behalf of the company, NAIJAONPOINT replied: ‘No, I don’t know.”
The defence counsel called for Exhibits MM1 and 2 and asked NAIJAONPOINT if it was the first time he had seen the documents.
NAIJAONPOINT replied: “After these issues come up.”