N8BN Fraud: CBN staff own posh cars, petrol stations, palatial buildings, etc....

"As more CBN staff, others are remanded in prison", reported Ola Ajayi, "the court trial of some Ibadan based bankers indicted over the theft of N8 billion worth of mutilated banknotes was yesterday told of the stupendous wealth of the suspects.  The suspects, including a self-acclaimed illiterate bank staff were alleged to have acquired petrol stations, shopping malls in Nigeria and abroad, exotic cars, supermarkets, among others.  Mr. Ayodeji Alase, one of the suspects and a holder of primary six certificate, was alleged to have acquired property including a duplex at Oluyole, a shopping complex, warehouse at Podo, Challenge and a fenced plot at Dugbe in Ibadan.  He was also alleged to own a four flat building at Apeye, two plots of land, five-bedroom flat in Apete, Ibadan, a supermarket at New Garage, Apata Expressway. EFCC operatives leading fresh suspects in the N8 billion CBN staff fraud to the court premises in Ibadan, Oyo State, yesterday  EFCC operatives leading fresh suspect in the N8 billion CBN staff fraud to the court premises in Ibadan, Oyo State, yesterday EFCC operatives leading fresh suspects in the N8 billion CBN staff fraud to the court premises in Ibadan, Oyo State, yesterday  EFCC operatives leading fresh suspects in the N8 billion CBN staff fraud to the court premises in Ibadan, Oyo State, yesterday  However, a mild drama took place in the court as Alase, delayed the proceedings of the court, claiming he did not understand English language after working for years at First Bank Plc as a cash officer.  Alase, who had earlier answered questions asked him by the trial judge, Justice A. O Faaji wanting to know the whereabouts of his counsel and his name, however, turned around to tell the same judge that he did not understand English language when the first count charge was read to him.  Rotimi Jacob, SAN, who tried to fault his claim said the accused was employed as a guard but was promoted to a cash assistant in the bank.  The trial judge then said since he insisted he did not understand English, an interpreter had to be used to translate the charges to him in Yoruba and also the proceedings of the court so that the accused would not be shut out.  The interpreter initially secured, however, found the job difficult forcing the judge to screen another person for the job of interpretation."  Read the rest of  the story on vanguard.