Ex-governor’s aide arraigned for money laundering

Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Tuesday arraigned Ope Saraki at the Federal High Court in Ilorin for allegedly laundering N11 million.

Saraki was an aide to former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed.

The anti-graft agency last week arraigned Saraki at a High Court for alleged contract scam of N220 million.

The commission yesterday arraigned the defendant on a one-count charge of money laundering.

EFCC alleged that Saraki received N11 million from Kunle Adimula while he was senior special assistant on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to Ahmed, contrary to the Money Laundering Prohibition Act of 2011.

The charge reads: “That you, Ope Saraki,  sometime in February 2019, while being the senior special assistant to the governor of Kwara State on Sustainable Development Goals (MDGs) at Ilorin, within the jurisdiction of this court, did receive cash payment of N11,180,000.00 from Kunle Adimula, an employee of Kwara State government. The sum exceeds the cash payable to an individual and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 and 16 of the Money Laundering (prohibition) Act 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 16 of the same Act.”

But Saraki pleaded not guilty.

Read Also: Again, EFCC arraigns ex-Kwara governor’s aide for N11m alleged money laundering

Prosecuting counsel Sesan Ola said: “My Lord,  we humbly apply for trial date to enable the prosecution call its witnesses and prove our case against the accused person.”

Defence lawyers, led by Joshua Olatoke, said: “My lord, we are not opposing for a trial date, but we urge your lordship to use your discretion to grant bail to the defendant pending the hearing and final determination of this case.

“I want my lord to take judicial notice of the present challenges of Coronavirus that is confronting the country; it is only the living that can stand trial my Lord, that is why I want your lordship to use your discretion and grant bail to the defendant.”

Justice Babangana Ashigar granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N10 million with two sureties in like sum.

He ordered that one of the sureties must reside in the jurisdiction of the court, and Saraki should submit his travel documents to the chief registrar of the Federal High Court.

Justice Ashigar also ordered that Saraki remain in the custody of the EFCC till he perfects his bail conditions.

He adjourned further hearing till May 15.