As at the time of filing this report yesterday, EFCC sources told THISDAY that she and the three managers, were still with EFCC.
Okereke-Onyiuke arrived the Commission’s offices in the afternoon and was grilled for several hours. It was yet unclear as at press time, if she would be released. The other three top managers of Transcorp are Group Managing Director Mr Tom Iseghohi, Head of Shared Services, Mr Mike Okoli and the Company’s Secretary, Mr Mohammed Buba.
They had been in the custody of the anti-graft agency since their arrest, May 17 and will be charged with criminal conspiracy, fraudulent diversion of public fund and money laundering.
The accused had filed a motion through their lawyer, Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN, to challenge their arrest and detention and are asking for two billion naira as damages from government.
They also asked for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents from arresting, re-arresting, harassing or intimidating them.
The three directors will be arraigned today at the Federal High Court, to face 32 count charge of offences ranging from conspiracy and fraudulent transfer of money belonging to the companies.
They were said to have awarded contracts worth N15billion, to various companies like Ankor Pontie Integrate Ltd, Hamannah Ventures Ltd, Lansark International and many others, which is above their approval limit.
“That you Thomas Iseghohi, Muhammad Buba and Mike Okoli on or about the 19th September, 2008, while acting in your capacity as Group Managing Director, and Deputy General Manager of Transnational Corporation (TRANSCORP) Plc confered benefits unto yourselves, conspired amongst yourselves by concealing the sum of $100,000 to be paid to Global Information Technology Inc. and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 17 (a) and (c) of the money laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2004,” the charge reads.
Other offences which would be read out to them in court include, paying $1,200,000.00, $108,000, $500,000, N64,000,000.00 and other sums of money to phoney contractors.
THISDAY learnt that one of the companies, Hamattan Ventures, was paid about $500,000 for organising meetings for the GMD outside the country, while Iseghohi paid Centre Spread over N233 million between May 2007 and September 2008, and another N205 million as legal fees.
Contacted, EFCC Spokesman, Femi Babafemi, confirmed that Okereke-Onyuike was still answering questions over the fraud, and declined further comment.