Wednesday, 23 May 2012
EFCC Discovers $1 billion In Speaker Bankole's Proxy Account In UBA, Jonathan Wades In To Halt His Arrest
Dimeji Bankole
Bankole women and REA scam fugitives
By SaharaReporters, New York
SaharaReporters’ investigation of the outgoing Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, has unearthed that he owns a startling $1 billion stashed away in a domiciliary account at the United Bank of Africa (UBA). Our investigations revealed that the account is being operated for Mr. Bankole by his Principal Officer, Maurice Ekpeyong.
The account was opened in 2009 and had since been operated on behalf of Bankole by Mr. Ekpeyong.
Our investigation confirms that the 41-year old outgoing Speaker had diverted funds into the account from budgetary allocations to the House of Representatives.
Sources at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) told SaharaReporters that their investigators were stunned by the massive scale of Mr. Bankole’s money laundering activities. Two officials of the anti-corruption agency as well as a source in the Presidency disclosed that President Goodluck Jonathan was standing in the way of the EFCC’s plan to arrest Mr. Bankole in response to his latest scandal financial scam as well as a spate of other money laundering activities in their docket.
The outgoing Speaker, who has made extensive real estate deals since he became Nigeria’s fourth most powerful man, is considered to be one of the most corrupt officials in public service today in Nigeria.
He has grown immensely rich as Speaker, routinely using a variety of proxies in his extensive deals. Through such willing individuals, he has bought several houses in South Africa and the US.
The outgoing Speaker, who was trounced in his reelection bid, also recently bought the 32-storey NITEL building in Lagos for N4 billion, and is the owner of a N7 billion hotel resort undergoing construction in the Akodo area of Lekki in Lagos.
Our investigations revealed that one of Mr. Bankole’s key and most trusted money-laundering pals is Adenekan Gbadebo, the son of the Alake of Egbaland. Our sources disclosed that Mr. Gbadebo has helped Bankole move about $500 million through several bank accounts.
The Speaker and his father also recently completed seven duplexes after he tore down his father's old house in Abeokuta. Our investigations show that Mr. Bankole has built a huge mansion in Abeokuta that is completely hidden from the public through the use of tarps and construction covers.
In an investigative report in September 2010, Saharareporters had identified two ladies being used by Mr. Bankole in a N5 billion scam. The women, Angela Oselukwu and Uduak Akpan Israel, are now fugitives and have been declared wanted by the EFCC. They were involved in stealing N5 billion from the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
Speaker Bankole and his siblings used the two fugitive women to open accounts at the UBA. Payments were then made into the accounts for the benefit of four companies belonging to the Bankoles: Vulysteke Metallic Construction Ltd, Parthenon Acropolis Nig. Ltd, Complete Trade Nig. Ltd, Zobra Global Services Ltd and F-Plus Concept Ltd.
As Speaker, Mr. Bankole was also notoriously embroiled in a N2.3 billion car scam as well as the misuse of the N9 billion capital budget of the House for 2008/2009.
Last year, the EFCC boss announced that the commission had concluded its investigation of the issue and sent its report to the presidency, but nothing further was heard from the presidency.
Mr. Bankole is also currently entrapped in another scandal in which he used the House of Representatives as collateral to obtain a personal loan of N10 billion from UBA. The loan is yet to be accounted for. The EFCC summoned Mr. Bankole to appear for interrogation last Thursday, but he did not show up. Instead, he sent a letter to the agency pleading that he was tied down by “inauguration” activities.
A baffling turn in the story is that the embattled Speaker has persuaded Mr. Goodluck Jonathan to order that the investigations against him be stopped. SaharaReporters learned today from different sources within the EFCC and the Presidency that Mr. Jonathan, who will be inaugurated tomorrow for a term of four years as President, assured the outgoing Speaker that he would prevail on the EFCC leadership to end the investigation against the speaker.
Mr. Jonathan’s intervention on behalf of the speaker contradicts pledges he made during his presidential election campaigns. Mr. Jonathan had vowed never to interfere with the work of any anti-corruption bodies.
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hello
Submitted by james (not verified) on March 21, 2012 - 08:15.
Please send me small money. my email is jamesokotie64@yahoo.com
Very soon it will be that the
Submitted by Mattew (not verified) on June 18, 2011 - 16:49.
Very soon it will be that the real people that get punished are not the sinners.
Is the system so messed up
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on June 18, 2011 - 16:04.
Is the system so messed up that someone can actually as a speaker loot so much. If so the the problem is surely not him but the system. Sincerely, I am so certain this is all another story to bring down a fine young man.
Show some rep
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on June 10, 2011 - 13:11.
In as much as d former speaker is in d net of the efcc he should b shown som respect. Bt d most anoyin point is d disgrace he brought 2 d youth n d country at large.
Bankole must be prosecuted
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on June 7, 2011 - 09:16.
Mr. President please allow EFCC to investigate Ex-speaker, do not go against your own words during your campaign. If you stand in the way of the EFCC then we will loose hope in your government. Bankole most be allow to take the root of it own and face the true Nigeria culture of corruption without any group standing with the stupid boy call Fmr. Speaker, this is all we get after serving as the 4th Nigeria citizen, wicked people most not go free. useless full!
Chai!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on June 6, 2011 - 18:04.
I guess ordinary people like me working 9 to 5 have no hope of making it. Please how can one join these political parties because my father's generation moaned and moaned, it's still the same old same. Anyone that knows how to join these political parties please holler at your girl oh. Chai!
Now is it not clear to us all.
Submitted by God with us (not verified) on June 5, 2011 - 08:11.
It's a shame for our dream president Mr Goodluck to want to stand to block d EFCC not to do her work when is one of their own person. What happen in the house when this same bankole had problem with some members in the house people like then solomon from delta and others it was this same money matter that was the main matter but they cover the whole thing up making the nation think they are fools. Now what is happening. Please we the masses are saying mr Bankole have to report to the EFCC if he knows he is hands are clean. Mr President please we are say give the EFCC their right by not standing on their way if you are standing on their way by any means. Thank you.
Bankole
Submitted by Akin (not verified) on June 4, 2011 - 08:04.
Yet again another wolf in sheeps clothing stealing our collective wealth and worst of all he is a lawyer. This cleptomania is like a fashion statement among the who is who of Nigerian leadership. Jonathans involvement is alarming.
Quite unimpressive how people
Submitted by Simo Nigerian (not verified) on June 3, 2011 - 22:11.
Quite unimpressive how people respond in forums like this. The next time you are going to talk in public, you might just consider to do yourself a favor by being a little polite and confront whatever does not go well with you in facts.
huhuonline.com
Submitted by Afo (not verified) on June 2, 2011 - 13:10.
UBA is a corporate sponsor of huhuonline; read between the lines "Mr. Anonymous"!!!
Shame
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on June 2, 2011 - 06:54.
As long as corrupt leaders will continue to be shielded in Nigeria is as long as the nation`s suffering will last. SHAME ONTO THE COUNTRY..
Nigeria My Country
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on June 1, 2011 - 19:18.
Immediately that Bankole lost election, he quickly accepted and started admonishing other political losers to accept in good faith. The Psychology i studied quickly list that such an entity has so much in his cupboard.
BANKOLE, GOODLUCK AND NIGERIA
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on June 1, 2011 - 18:28.
MY PEOPLE, LET US NOT BE DECEIVED BY ANYTHING, EVEN BY OUR OWN SELF. THOSE EMBEZZLEMENT AND MISAPPROPRIATIONS OF PUBLIC FUNDS WERE DONE WILLINGLY AND NOT EVEN BY BANKOLE ALONE, UNDERSTAND? I HAVE THEIR FACT, ABOUT SEVEN PAGE DOCUMENT TO BRING THEM TO PUBLIC EXPOSURE, THE PRESIDENT IS NOT AN EXCEPTION, BANKOLE LOOTED MORE THAN EFCC WILL FIND IT HARD TO DISCOVER, AND ALL DID NOT GO WITHOUT GOODLUCKS AWARENESS. I WRITE AS A NIGERIAN. BUT I PRAY GOD WILL LEAD US TO THE PROMISE LAND. MY PEOPLE, WHY IS MR PRESIDENT NOW INTERFERING AS AGAINST HIS PROMISE?
there's a big problem in this country!!!
Submitted by john (not verified) on June 1, 2011 - 17:58.
For christ sake, when would we stop to fold our hands and be looking at all this LOOTERS?...in fore yrs time they will come to us again and told us they want to contest again for another political appointment?..Omg!!!...my fellow Nigerians..it's time to WAKE UP for our long time slumber, they will still come and lie to us again?..infact the GOVERNMENT the EFCC, ICPC, THE POLICE, THE ARMIES, THE AIRFORCE AND THE NAVY, but now who will stand up for the SUFFERING MASSES?..no one but GOD...
BANKOLE'S ALLEGED GRAFT
Submitted by oracle (not verified) on June 1, 2011 - 15:54.
If it's true - huh. the son of an ordinary forwarding and backwarding agent-huh, NITEL building for just 4billion naira?. Huh. 1billion dollars theft?.huh. God, this is beyond Jonathan. The youth of this country, this is your fight. We'reFINISHED!!!
the story is half true
Submitted by eddy (not verified) on June 1, 2011 - 13:20.
the president would not allow/ be part of corruption lets wait for effc . nigerian papers
the story is half true
Submitted by eddy (not verified) on June 1, 2011 - 13:15.
the president would not allow/ be part of corruption lets wait for effc . nigerian papers
BANKOLE
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on June 1, 2011 - 12:52.
The writer of this uncomplimentary piece is a Taliban and should go and rot in hell. You have the guts to wish Nigeria, God's own country bad and you think you can get away with it? If you have scores to settle with Bankole, then do it and leave Jonathan out of it. You are a terrorist and must surely
suffer.
LET'S SEE HOW GOODLUCK HANDLES THIS
Submitted by Finecountry (not verified) on June 1, 2011 - 09:32.
If indeed Jonathan allows Bankole not only to escape the dragnet of EFCC but even protects him, then we are in for another trouble - the worst government ever to come. Let us disbelieve Sahara Reporters that Goodluck is shielding Bankole and wait for the return of billion dollars into Government coffers while some one spends twelve years in some jail. Otherwise, Nigeria, it is another Government April Fool for a better future.
Independence of anti graft agencies
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on June 1, 2011 - 07:04.
The president should in his infinite wisdonm allow the law to take its course
Independence of anti graft agencies
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on June 1, 2011 - 07:03.
The president should in his infinite wisdonm allow the law to take its course
Bankole must be prosecuted
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on May 31, 2011 - 20:00.
Mr. President please allow EFCC to investigate Ex-speaker, do not go against your own words during your campaign. If you stand in the way of the EFCC then we will loose hope in your government.
he can never go scot
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on May 31, 2011 - 17:35.
he can never go scot free.....all of them will be caught by the hands of justice
politics
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on May 31, 2011 - 16:38.
bankole, is a theif.....ole. barawo, u really fuckd up.....thank u farida waziri BRAVO!!!. hey yo bankole do u think u can fuck arround with nigerian money and EFCC and expect to go free??? NEVA!!!!! mehn u fuckd up dawg....too bad 4 ya.....~~~~AMMMMMM i think kiri kiri awaits u DAWG....CUT-C. capone a.k.a gadson one of the greates nigerian citizens. screw u. ouch!!!! yuck!!! gross!!! damn!!!! huh.
BANKOLE THE GREAT
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on May 31, 2011 - 14:57.
NIGERIANS WAKE UP ITS TIME TO ACTION BANKOLE MUST BE TRIED IF GUILTY MUST BE JAILED FOR LIFE .EVERYBODY INVOLVED IN THE LOOTING MUST BE PUNISHED INCLUDING THE PRESIDENT
BANKOLES'S PERFIDY
Submitted by THOMPSON LONGE (not verified) on May 31, 2011 - 14:17.
Nigeria,even the gods cant save us from us.The same Bankole that sent Hon Melaye et al on compulsory leave without pay for daring to accuse him of misappropriation,is indeed a rogue and a common criminal.
Bankole,you are a disgrass to the hopeful youths of this country.Your white caftan wearing days are indeed over,you can continue speaking your Queen's English in your Abeokuta palace or better still practice for EFCC.
If Jonathan decides to save this looter,it will be a clarion call to civil unrest,perhaps,the Arab awakening has visited Nigeria.
BANK=UBA OLE=DIMEJI You
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on May 31, 2011 - 13:07.
BANK=UBA OLE=DIMEJI
You are a son of a thief = You will be a father of a thief..
President Goodluck all eye are on you.. dont Nigerians down
Bankole and the young politicians
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on May 31, 2011 - 11:43.
We were here some years ago when the argument went that power should be transfered to the young generation of politicians in Nigeria. It was therefore a welcome event when the then thirty something years old Dimeji Bankole climbed the exalted seat of speaker, House of Reps. All I need to ask now is for people to cast their minds back and name one instance when Bankole stood up for Nigeria throughout his reign. Of course he needed to steal as much as possible to equip himself in order to seek high positions of service in Nigeria next time. Or to emerge as the new kingmaker of the next dispensation, like James Ibori. Its a pity that president Jonathan seems to be shielding this man from the law. Nigerians must thank Hon. Dino Melaye for at least letting us know the little we know now.
GEJ,Bankole & EFCC; I beg to differ!
Submitted by st jerome onuaguluchi (not verified) on May 31, 2011 - 10:32.
I saw your column on Bankole and his misappropriation of funds while in office and H.E. GEJ's alleged intervention to stop his arrest.The documents you published to support your story speak volumes of truth but i ask you to please leave GEJ alone to concentrate on the task of re-building this country which equally entails the re-organisation of government apparachek for better performance.I am sure that bankole if found culpable,will face the music like chimaraoke nnamani et al.Please let us give GEJ the benefit of doubt and do more of constructive criticism. Keep up with the good work you are doing.GOD BLESS NIGERIA!!
Sahara Reporters - We know
Submitted by sanitize9ja (not verified) on May 31, 2011 - 03:12.
Sahara Reporters - We know you tried all you could to swing the election in favour of your financier - Buhari but you failed woefully. Again you;ve tried everything to disrupt GEJ's inauguration and again failed. Your style of negative reporting is so obvious and your write ups depicts O'level easys written by GCE candidates. They are so not like the works of a trained reporter - take a look and learn from fox, sky, cnn, etc they do it so neatly the reader doesn't suspect anything. We are aware you negative reporting will continue and you nameless and faceless sources will continue to feed you with lies - we are better prepared and know you better. Like your name SAHARA - Please to your financier and his stock and remain in your arid desert we are nigerians who don't belong in the desert and we want to be left alone and in peace. We know your lies and intention. Sorry for you because you have already failed.
