Saraki Trial 'Key evidence burnt in GTB,' Witness says

The Economic Financial Crimes Commission's witness,Micheal Wetkas, who is testifying against the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, at the Code of Conduct Tribunal says the key evidence has been destroyed.

According to Premium Times, the witness told the tribunal on Wednesday, April 20, that the documents which linked Saraki alleged transfer of $73, 233: 28 were burnt in Guaranteed Trust Bank (GTB), where the transaction was carried out.

Speaking during cross examination by a defence counsel, Paul Usoro, Wetkas said the evidence was destroyed before the trial commenced.

“There is an affidavit and I believe it was fire outbreak,” he was quoted to have said.

He said his investigative team came across the information concerning Mr. Saraki’s foreign account through several telexes from the American Express Bank, which was provided by the GTB team.

“There is no doubt that the transaction was actually carried out by American Express Bank.

“A debit in the account of the defendant was there and the narration was clear that money was transferred and where it was transferred from,” the witness and detective said.

Wetkas further stated that GTB confirmed the transfer and the burnt documents, when the bank was invited.

“There were also police reports and affidavit which they (the GTB) swore to show that some documents were burnt,” he said.

When asked whether or not he (Mr. Wetkas) knew if the American Express Bank was a bank incorporated, he said his investigation only concerned the debit card sent from the bank.

“I know the bank exists through open source information. I do not believe anybody will carry his money and throw into a non existent account,” he said.

Pulse recalls that at the hearing yesterday, April 19, Wetkas had denied knowledge of the contents of a petition he tendered as evidence against Senate Saraki at the tribunal.

Saraki is standing trial at for an alleged false and anticipatory declaration of assets when he was the Governor of Kwara State.