SaharaReporters investigation into this matter has revealed that the UK Charity Commission has had an open investigation on the OOF “assessing concerns including alleged conflicts of interest” since June 2014, according to a source at the Commission.
SaharaReporters investigation into the Obasanjo Foundation scandal has revealed that the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation (OOF) has been under investigation in the United Kingdom since June 2014.
The Obasanjo Foundation scandal was first revealed by SaharaReporters yesterday after a video recording of Anne Welsh, CEO of the OOF, plotting to launder money through the OOF for a fee of $900,000. The shocking video depicts Anne Welsh, a UK and Nigerian national, explaining how she has used the OOF as an illicit front to launder money. Mrs. Welsh discussed, quite extensively, the terms of laundering money into different accounts with two men identified as Lebanese businessmen who wanted launder money through the Foundation disguised as Ebola relief.
Mrs. Welsh stated in the video, even stating that “I had to go through training, through president Obasanjo, political training for one year to become discreet [in laundering money].”
She also brazenly stated that she deserves “at least 30% [of the laundered amount], think about the hard work I’m going to put into this, you will be so grateful to me.”
SaharaReporters investigation into this matter has revealed that the UK Charity Commission has had an open investigation on the OOF “assessing concerns including alleged conflicts of interest” since June 2014, according to a source at the Commission.
Another official at the UK Charity Commission told a SaharaReporters correspondent that an investigation by the Commission “is the most serious process the Commission can undertake, and is the gateway to exercise powers under the UK Charity Act.” This same official said, however, that acts of a serious criminal nature “would be investigated in collaboration with the UK police authorities.”
SaharaReporters was assured that the Obasanjo Foundation scandal would receive serious consideration by the UK Charity Commission, which has already broadened its investigation.
Since the publication of SaharaReporters’ report yesterday, Olusegun Obasanjo told members of the media that Anne Welsh has since been terminated as CEO. He also said that the OOF contacted the UK Charity Commission and the UK police in London regarding these revelations.
SaharaReporters reached out to Anne Welsh, but a representative told our correspondent that she would not be taking calls from the press at this time.