The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has increased the charges against Abiodun Agbele, an ally of the former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, from 11 to 24.
The EFCC had in 2016 arraigned Agbele, alongside a former Minister of Defence for State, Musliu Obanikoro; Sylvan Mcnamara Limited; Lt. A.O Adewale; Tunde Oshinowo and Olalekan Ogunseye (all at large) on 11 charges of money laundering to the tune of N1. 219bn.
The EFCC said the money was part of N4.7bn allegedly transferred from the Office of the National Security Adviser in the Central Bank of Nigeria.
In the amended charges, Agbele, Sylvan Mcnamara Limited, De Privateer Ltd, and Spotless Investment Ltd were listed as the first to fourth defendants.
The EFCC accused Agbele of indirectly accepting N1.219bn cash from Obanikoro on behalf of Fayose in June 2014 without going through a financial institution.
The EFCC said he committed an offence contrary to Section 1(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011(As Amended) and punishable under Section 1503) of the same Act.
The EFCC also accused Agbele of aiding De Privateer to commit an offence to take possession of N200m which formed part of N1.219bn, “proceeds of money laundering on behalf of Ayo Fayose, contrary to section Section 18(A) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 18 of the same act.”
