Adebutu’s Pre-loaded Election ATM Cards Approved By CBN, Interswitch Testifies

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Nigerian digital payment company, Interswitch Ltd., yesterday, said the issuance of N200,000 preloaded ATM verve  cards with N10,000, distributed on the day of the governorship election in Ogun State, were duly approved by his company.

One of the witnesses, Seyi Binuyo, a Scheme Managing Executive at Interswitch Ltd., added that the request for the design of the cards followed all the stipulated requirements and guidelines of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Binuyo had testified in the alleged vote-buying case filed by the federal government against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the March 18 Governorship Election in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, before a State High Court sitting in Abeokuta.

The federal government had dragged Adebutu and nine others to the court over allegation of vote buying during the governorship election in the state.

In the suit marked, AB/10c/2023 (FRN Vs Adebutu &Ors), the FG alleged that Adebutu ordered through his bank, the issuance of N200,000 preloaded ATM verve  cards with N10,000 and distributed same on the day of election across the state with an intent of inducing voters in the state.

At resumed hearing yesterday, the federal government, led by its counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, called three witnesses, including an official of Interswitch Ltd., against Adebutu.

But one of the witnesses, Binuyo, said Interswitch’s approved the cards after due diligence, saying, “We reviewed the guidelines and checked through request for the cards before giving our approval.”

The certificate of approval for the cards was therefore tendered by the prosecuting counsel and was admitted as exhibit.

However, other witnesses called included voters, who claimed that they were offered the preloaded cards at their polling units.

All the witnesses were also cross examined by the defence counsel, Gordy Uche.

Justice Abiodun Akinyemi, however, adjourned the case till 19 and 20, March for continuation of hearing.