MALABU SCANDAL: Jonathan’s bodyguard’s identity generates confusion in Italian Court

The identity of an alleged security aide to a former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, generated ripples at an Italian Court on Wednesday as hearing resumed on the controversial Malabu oil deal.

Victor Nwafor – said to be a security aide of Mr Jonathan – was alleged to have informed a former manager of Eni and defendant in the corruption trial, Vincenzo Armanna, about cash being taken to the house of Casula Roberto, another party to the controversial deal.

Earlier in January, a certain Mr Nwafor gave evidence in the trial via video conference and denied knowledge of Mr Armanna’s claim. He also denied knowing Mr Armanna. In July, Mr Armanna re-stated in court that Mr Nwafor told him about hundreds of millions of cash of the OPL 245 proceeds which allegedly got to Mr Jonathan.

But on Wednesday, Mr Armanna’s lawyer asked the court to hear once again the witness “Victor Nwafor”, arguing that the right person has finally been identified and is willing to stand in court. Mr Armanna’s defence informed the court that in a week time, the “real Victor Nwafor” will send a statement detailing all circumstances and why he wants to be heard.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered that court called for a break to decide on whether to accept the new witness. But according to Antonio Tricarico of the Italian civic group,Re:Common, who was at the court, all other defences stood against the option.

Subsequently, the court rejected the request by Mr Armanna’s defence to hear the “real Victor Nwafor”.

According to Mr Armanna, the “real Victor Nwafor” knew of two trolleys full of $50 million in cash which ended up in Mr Casula’s villa in Nigeria as kickbacks for Eni’s managers.