Sani requested me to provide 4 judges N1m every, witness tells court docket

 Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

A FEDERAL Excessive Courtroom in Abuja heard on Monday how erstwhile Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani allegedly claimed to have a hyperlink with the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), who purportedly promised to intervene in a case businessman, Alhaji Sani Dauda, was having.

Dauda, who was in court docket to testify because the sixth prosecution witness in Sani’s trial for alleged fraud, mentioned the defendant informed him that he wanted to pay N1 million every to 4 judges who would deal with the case involving him (Dauda) and a few unnamed individuals.

The witness additionally claimed that Sani informed him {that a} prosecutor with the Financial and Monetary Crimes Fee (EFCC), who’s dealing with a case involving his in-law (Abubakar), additionally wanted to be paid N1 million.

The witness, who described himself because the Chairman of ASD Group of Firms, spoke in Hausa language, however had his testimony interpreted into English language.

Led in proof by the prosecutor, Abba Mohammed, Dauda mentioned someday in December 2019, he was arrested by some policemen, however was launched on December 15, 2019.

He mentioned Sani visited him at residence on the identical day to sympathise with him, including that whereas his customer was leaving, promised to do one thing about his arrest when he obtained to Abuja.

The witness mentioned the senator known as him on December 19, 2019 and requested to see him.

Dauda mentioned he requested the senator to inform him on cellphone no matter he needed to say, however that the defendant insisted they need to meet in Abuja.

The businessman mentioned after they met in Abuja, Sani informed him that he (Sani) met with the CJN and mentioned the case involving him (Dauda) with the CJN.

The witness mentioned Sani promised to name the CJN so he might converse with him, however that he insisted on seeing the CJN in individual.

Learn Additionally: Alleged fraud: Courtroom threatens to revoke Shehu Sani’s bail

He mentioned the senator informed him that the CJN wouldn’t prefer to see individuals in his home due to the presence of safety personnel, together with males of the Division of State Companies (DSS).

Dauda mentioned Sani later made a name and handed him the cellphone to talk with “the individual” and that he had spoken to him concerning the 4 judges.

He mentioned they agreed that ought to the case come up, they need to inform him.

The witness averred that Sani mentioned every of the 4 judges can be given N1 million.

Daudu mentioned he informed the senator that he didn’t have such cash however that the defendant saved placing stress on him.

The businessman mentioned Sani additionally informed him that his in-law, Abubakar additionally had a case with the EFCC and that the fee’s prosecutor wanted N1 million, thereby making the full quantity N5 million.

“He (Sani) requested me concerning the cash. I informed him I didn’t have it, that he ought to come again the subsequent day,” Dauda mentioned.

The witness mentioned on the subsequent day, he known as Abubakar, a bureau de change operator, to deliver the cash.

At that time, the decide, Justice Inyang Ekwo, intervened, saying he was not snug with the standard of interpretation being made by the court docket’s interpreter.

The decide stopped the proceedings to allow the court docket safe the companies of one other interpreter.

Earlier than Dauda, the prosecution known as its fifth witness, recognized as Bala Ismail, who additionally spoke in Hausa.

Ismail, who was equally led in proof by Mohammed, mentioned he’s a home employee and an assistant to Dauda of ASD Motors.

The witness claimed that Sani visited his principal’s home in Maitama, Abuja, on 5 events.

He mentioned on one of many events, the senator left the assembly with Dauda clutching an envelope.

The witness mentioned he didn’t know what the content material of the envelope was and was additionally by no means aware of all of the discussions between his boss and Sani throughout all his visits.

Ismail mentioned throughout one in all Sani’s visits, his boss was not at residence, and that they needed to direct the customer to his boss’ workplace at Space 10 in Garki, Abuja.