Fishrot accused and former Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources Bernhardt Esau told the High Court on Thursday that his co-accused, specifically Mike Nghipunya, used his name to distribute and sell fishing quotas while redirecting funds meant for Governmental Objectives for their own benefit.

"My name was further used, saying I gave instruction to make payment to Sisa; my name was used, saying I gave instruction to pay DE Klerk, and today I am here standing accused of things I never knew where the money was going, and my name is now in the media as the most corrupt person."

Esau is appearing before Justice David Munsu to fight for his freedom.