The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Chimaroke Nnamani

  • Alleged fraud: EFCC to amend Nnamani charges

    Alleged fraud: EFCC to amend Nnamani charges

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday prayed a Federal High Court in Lagos, for more time to enable it amend the charges against a former Governor of Enugu State, Chimaroke Nnamani.

    EFCC’s request before Justice Mohammed Yunusa came exactly 46 days after the court granted the commission’s application to separate Nnamani’s trial from that of the other suspects.

    The ex-governor and his co-accused allegedly lodged the laundered N5 billion in a secret account, with the aim of concealing its source and failed to comply with the lawful inquiry by the anti-graft agency.

    According to the commission, their alleged offence contravened the Money laundering (Prohibition) Act, and the EFCC Act, 2004.

    Joined with Nnamani in the alleged money laundering case instituted in 2007 are his former aide, Sunday Anyaogu, as well as six firms belonging to the former Governor- Rainbownet Nigeria Limited, Hillgate Nigeria Limited, Cosmo FM, Capital City Automobile Nigeria Limited, Renaissance University Teaching Hospital and Mea Mater Elizabeth High School.

    According to EFCC, its decision to try the accused persons separately was to prevent the erosion of their assets since the trial had dragged since arraignment without progress as a result of the former governor’s ill health.

    On several occasions, Nnamani through his lawyer, Rickey Tarfa (SAN), had sought leave of court to travel abroad for medical attention, as a result of complications from a heart surgery.

     

  • Nnamani’s trial stalled again

    Nnamani’s trial stalled again

    The trial of a former Enugu State governor, Dr Chimaroke Nnamani, was stalled on Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Lagos because a ruling on a pending application was not ready.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had prayed the court presided over by Justice Mohammed Yunusa to separate Nnamani’s trial from his co-accused so that their trial can go on.

    Nnamani’s trial is yet to take off because he was said to be suffering from a heart defect.

    He was charged along with his former aide, Sunday Anyaogu, and six firms – Rainbownet Nigeria Limited, Hillgate Nigeria Limited, Cosmos FM, Capital City Automobile Nigeria Limited, Renaissance University Teaching Hospital and Mea Mater Elizabeth High School.

    EFCC said a speedy trial is necessary as the companies’ assets and liabilities could be adversely affected if the charge against them continues to hang.

    Ruling on the application was fixed for Tuesday, but Justice Yususa said it was not yet ready.

    At the last hearing, EFCC described Nnamani’s trial as a “scandal” because it is seven years since he was arraigned for alleged money laundering, but trial is yet to begin.

    EFCC’s lawyer, Kelvin Uzozie, regretted that the trial has been stalled severally because of Nnamani’s frequent applications to travel abroad for medical treatment.

    Nnamani’s lawyer, Chief Rickey Tarfa (SAN), opposed EFCC’s application, saying it would affect the former governor’s trial if separated.

    On November 3, Nnamani had told the court that he was still unfit to stand trial, and Justice Yunusa granted him another leave to travel overseas for a medical check up.

    On April 17, last year, the judge had permitted the former governor to travel overseas for medical reasons.

    On May 28, last year, the court granted an application seeking to extend the time for him to conclude his treatment abroad.

     

  • I’m still unfit for trial – Nnamani

    I’m still unfit for trial – Nnamani

    A former Enugu State Governor, Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani, told the Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday that he is still unfit to stand trial for alleged money laundering.

    His lawyer, Chief Rickey Tarfa (SAN), said Nnamani was yet to make a full recovery from his ailment.

    It is seven years since he was arraigned, and trial is yet to begin.

    The court, presided over by Justice Mohammed Yunusa, granted Nnamani yet another leave to travel overseas for a medical check up.

    On April 17, last year, the judge had permitted the former governor to travel overseas for medical reasons.

    On May 28, last year, the court granted an application seeking to extend the time for him to conclude his treatment abroad.

    On September 25, last year, Nnamani was absent in court, and the judge further adjourned till December 12. The judge happened to be attending a conference that day, and the trial was fixed for March 5 this year.

    The trial suffered another setback as defence counsel sought an adjournment because, according to him, the case was not slated for trial but for “mention” (further directions).

    On June 17, Nnamani’s lawyer said his client was suffering from a “chronic” heart problem, having undergone surgery and was yet to recover. He prayed the court to permit him to travel abroad for a check-up.

    Mr. Oluyele Delano (SAN), who represented Nnamani that day, argued that the principle of fair hearing required that his client must be well enough to defend himself.

    He said: “The first accused person is seriously ill. He has undergone a quadruple bypass, an open heart surgery, and while there was relative success with regard to the surgery, he has had to embark on a slow, tedious recovery process.

    “Unfortunately, he recently suffered a setback to his health in that he continues to suffer chronic chest pains, which the doctors suspect that it may be that his heart is rejecting the pacemaker that has been installed there.

    “My Lord, a dead man cannot be tried. I humbly crave the indulgence of the court to give us more time to be in a position to vigorously defend the allegations against us.

    “The doctrine of fair hearing acknowledges the need for the accused person not to be prejudiced in his ability to defend the accusations against him on account of ill health.”

     

  • Nnamani: I’m unfit to stand trial

    Nnamani: I’m unfit to stand trial

    Former Enugu State Governor Chimaroke Nnamani told the Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday that he is unfit to stand trial.

    He said he is suffering from a “chronic” heart problem, having undergone surgery.

    The development again stalled his trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The commission, on March 7, re-arraigned Nnamani before Justice Mohammed Yunusa on 105 counts of money laundering and economic crimes involving about N4.5billion state funds.

    He and his former aide, Sunday Anyaogu, and six firms – Rainbownet Nig Ltd, Hillgate Nig Ltd, Cosmos FM, Capital City Automobile Nig Ltd, Renaissance University Teaching Hospital and Mea Mater Elizabeth High School were charged.

    Part of the alleged laundered money was meant for local governments, which was allegedly transferred to Nnamani’s bank account in the United States of America.

    The crime was allegedly committed when Nnamani, also a former senator, was governor between 1999 and 2007.

    The charge was filed seven years ago, but trial is yet to begin, as the case has suffered delays due to adjournments.

    It has also passed through four judges due to transfers and retirements.

    Yesterday, Nnamani’s lawyer, Mr. Oluyele Delano (SAN), said the principle of fair hearing required that his client must be well enough to defend himself.

    He said: “The first accused is ill. He has undergone a quadruple bypass, an open heart surgery, and while there was relative success with regard to the surgery, he has embarked on a slow, tedious recovery process.

    “Unfortunately, he recently suffered a setback to his health in that he continues to suffer chronic chest pains, which the doctors suspect, it may be that his heart is rejecting the pacemaker that has been installed there.

    “My Lord, a dead man cannot be tried. I humbly crave the indulgence of the court to give us more time to be in a position to defend the allegations against us.

    “The doctrine of fair hearing acknowledges the need for the accused not to be prejudiced in his ability to defend the accusations against him on account of ill health.”

    EFCC’s lawyer Mr. Kelvin Uzozie did not oppose the request for an adjournment, but said he did not think Nnamani’s health problem was serious enough to stop his trial.

    Said he: “Illness per se is not a ground for stalling a trial. The question is, is the accused capable of understanding the proceedings?”

    Justice Yunusa adjourned till November 3 for trial.

  • I’m unfit to stand trial – Nnamani

    A former Enugu State governor, Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani, on Tuesday told the Federal High Court in Lagos that he is unfit to stand trial.

    The ex-governor said he is suffering from a “chronic” heart problem, having undergone surgery and is yet to recover.

    The development again stalled his trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The commission, on March 7, re-arraigned Nnamani before Justice Mohammed Yunusa on 105 counts of money laundering and economic crimes involving about N4.5billion state funds.

    He was charged along with his former aide, Sunday Anyaogu, and six firms – Rainbownet Nig Limited, Hillgate Nig Limited, Cosmos FM, Capital City Automobile Nig Limited, Renaissance University Teaching Hospital and Mea Mater Elizabeth High School.

    Part of the allegedly laundered money was meant for some local government areas, which was allegedly transferred to Nnamani’s bank account in the United States.

    The crime was allegedly committed while Nnamani, also a former Senator, was governor between 1999 and 2007.

    The charge was filed seven years ago, but trial is yet to begin because of several delays.

    The case has also passed through four different judges due to transfers and retirements.

    On Tuesday, Nnamani’s lawyer, Mr. Oluyele Delano (SAN), said the principle of fair hearing requires that his client must well enough to defend himself.

    “The first accused person is seriously ill. He has undergone a quadruple bypass, an open heart surgery, and while there was relative success with regard to the surgery, he has had to embark on a slow, tedious recovery process.

    “Unfortunately, he recently suffered a setback to his health in that he continues to suffer chronic chest pains, which the doctors suspect that it may be that his heart is rejecting the pacemaker that has been installed there.

    “My Lord, a dead man cannot be tried. I humbly crave the indulgence of the court to give us more time to be in a position to vigorously defend the allegations against us.

    “The doctrine of fair hearing acknowledges the need for the accused person not to be prejudiced in his ability to defend the accusations against him on account of ill health,” Delano said.

    EFCC’s lawyer, Mr. Kelvin Uzozie, did not oppose the request for an adjournment, but said he did not think Nnamani’s health problem is serious enough to stop his trial.

    He said: “Illness per se is not a ground for stalling trial. The question is, is the accused person capable of understanding the proceedings?”

    Ruling, Justice Yunusa said Nnamani should be given the opportunity to defend himself.

    “A criminal trial is a rigorous activity that requires a strong person,” he said.

  • Senator slams PDP for preventing Nnamani’s return

    Senator slams PDP for preventing Nnamani’s return

    A lawmaker, Senator Gilbert Nnaji, has condemned the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) move to stop former Enugu State Governor Chimaroke Nnamani from returning to the party.

    Nnaji in a statement yesterday said: “I decry Enugu State government’s and PDP’s move to stop Nnamani from returning to the party. His return is a welcome development.

    “PDP’s umbrella is big enough to accommodate the old, returning and new members. If Nnamani is readmitted, it shows the party is repositioning to continue as the ruling party in the country and Enugu cannot be an exception.

    “PDP’s door is open for anybody who cares to enter. Nnamani’s re-entry is an asset to the party because as an ex-governor and a former senator, he has a lot to offer to ensure the party’s success in next year’s elections.”

  • ‘Don’t stop Nnamani from returning to PDP’

    ‘Don’t stop Nnamani from returning to PDP’

    A lawmaker, Senator Gilbert Nnaji, has condemned the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) move to stop former Enugu State Governor Chimaroke Nnamani from returning to the party.

    Nnaji, in a statement yesterday, said: “I decry Enugu State government’s and PDP’s move to stop Nnamani from returning to the party. His return is a welcome development.

    “PDP’s umbrella is big enough to accommodate the old, returning and new members. If Nnamani is readmitted, it shows the party is repositioning to continue as the ruling party in the country and Enugu cannot be an exception.

    “PDP’s door is open for anybody who cares to enter. Nnamani’s re-entry is an asset to the party because as an ex-governor and a former senator, he has much to offer to ensure the party’s success in next year’s elections.”

  • Alleged N5billion theft: Nnamani’s trial for June 17

    Alleged N5billion theft: Nnamani’s trial for June 17

    The N5 billion money laundering charge against former Enugu State Governor, Chimaroke Nnamani before a Federal High Court in Lagos has been adjourned to June 17 for trial.

    Justice Mohammed Yanusa adjourned the case after the prosecution and defence teams differed on what the matter was slated for.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had dragged Nnamani and seven others to court on 105 counts of conspiracy and money laundering.

    Others standing trial with him are Sunday Anyaogu; Rainbownet (Nig) Limited; Hillgate (Nig) Limted; Cosmos FM; Capital City Automobile (Nig) Limited; Renaissance University Teaching Hospital and Mea Mater Elizabeth High School.

    They were re-arraigned before Justice Yunusa on March 7, 2013, following the transfer of the previous judge, Justice Charles Archibong.

    The accused were alleged to have laundered various sums of money lodged in secret account to the tune of N5 billion, including statutory allocations of Aninri, Enugu South, Agwu, Igbo Etiti and Isi Uzor local government areas of Enugu State.

    The former governor was alleged to have stolen N1.4 billion from the Excess Crude Oil Funds allocated to local governments in the state.

    According to the charge, Nnamani with the help of one Chinero Nwigwe, who is now at large, fraudulently transferred millions of dollars of Enugu State funds, to his personal accounts in the United States between 1999 and 2007.

    The alleged offences are said to have contravened the provisions of the Money laundering (prohibition) Act, 2004.

    They had pleaded not guilty to the charge, while Justice Yunusa had allowed them to continue on the earlier bail granted by Justice Archibong.

    At the resumed hearing, counsel to the defendants Abubakar Samsudeen informed the court that they were not prepared for trial as the matter was for mention.

    He noted that the matter was not heard at the last adjournment because the court was said to be away for a conference.

    But prosecuting Kelvin Uzozie who noted that criminal matters are never adjourned for mention at the High Court, stated that the case was for trial.

    He told the court that he had one witness in court to proceed with trial, but will accede to an adjournment if the defence was not prepared to proceed.

    He also informed the court that he had a total of six witnesses, and could present three of them in a day.

    After listening to the parties, Justice Yunusa adjourned the case to June 17, and warned parties to ensure remarkable progress given the long date.

    The court on May 16, 2013, granted leave to Nnamani to travel overseas for medical attention and on May 28, an application for extension of medical leave filed by Ricky Tarfa (SAN) for the accused was granted.

  • Judge’s absence stalls Nnamani’s trial

    Judge’s absence stalls Nnamani’s trial

    A Federal High Court, Lagos, on Thursday, fixed March 4, 2014, for continuation of trial of a former governor of Enugu State, Chimaroke Nnamani.

    Nnamani alongside seven others are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on 105 counts of money laundering.

    The others are Sunday Anyaogu, Rainbownet Nigeria Limited, Hillgate Nigeria Limited, Cosmos F. M Capital City Automobile Nigeria Limited Renaissance University Teaching Hospital and Mea Mater Elizabeth High School.

    The case, which was fixed for trial on Thursday, could not hold due to the absence of the trial judge, Justice Mohammed Yunusa.

    Yunusa was said to be away on official assignment.

    The new date was therefore fixed for the trial.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that at the last adjourned date, on May 16, Yunusa had granted leave to the accused to travel overseas for medical attention.

    On May 28, the judge also granted an application by Mr. Ricky Tarfa (SAN), counsel to the accused, seeking extension of time for his client to conclude his medical treatment abroad.

    The case was then adjourned till Thursday for trial.

    Nnamani and the others were re-arraigned before Yunusa on March 7, following the transfer of the previous judge, Justice Charles Archibong.

    They had pleaded not guilty to the charge, while Yunusa had allowed them to continue on the earlier bail granted by Archibong.

     

     

  • Nnamani’s request to travel abroad ploy to delay trial – EFCC

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday told a Federal High Court, Lagos, that the request by former Enugu State Governor, Chimaroke Nnamani, to seek medical treatment abroad, was a ploy to delay his trial.

    Mr Kelvin Uzozie, the commission’s counsel, made the assertion at the resumed hearing of the money laundering case against Nnamani.

    The ex governor had on Monday filed an application through his counsel, Mr Ricky Tarfa, seeking leave of the court to travel overseas for medical treatment.

    An affidavit deposed to by one Ayo Ambali, stated that sometime in 2008, Nnamani was diagnosed of ”hypercloclesterolemnia”– which doctors described as a condition characterised by very high levels of cholesterol in the blood.

    He further stated that the accused was also diagnosed of a high level Serum Prostate Surface Antigem (SPA), for which he had been to the United States of America severally for medical treatment.

    He had urged the court to grant the accused leave to go for treatment abroad.

    But Uzozie said that the accused, who had previously been granted similar requests in 2008 and 2012, had now adopted this tactics to delay his trial.

    According to him, when the previous leave was granted in 2008, Nnamani lingered in the United States beyond the stipulated period.

    The counsel said it took the assistance of the America security agencies to facilitate the repatriation of the ex-governor.

    He said that even when Nnamani returned to the country, he failed to surrender his international passport to the EFCC, as directed by the court.

    Uzozie also said that the accused had not in any way shown that the illness could not be treated in Nigeria.

    He, therefore, urged the trial judge, Justice Mohammed Yunusa to dismiss the application and order the accused to face his trial.

    The defence counsel, however, told the court that Section 14 of the Evidence Act, required an accused to state the circumstances of his illness in certain situations.

    Tarfa said that the accused has by his application, sufficiently given details of the illness for which he required routine medical treatment abroad.

    He, therefore, urged the court to grant the accused leave to travel overseas for treatment.

    Yunusa, however, reserved his ruling on this application for April 17.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Nnamani is facing trial alongside seven others, on 105-count charge of money laundering.

    Others  are: Sunday Anyaogu, Rainbownet (Nig.) Ltd, Hillgate (Nig.) Ltd, Cosmos FM, Capital City Automobile (Nig.) Ltd, Renaissance University Teaching Hospital and Mea Mater Elizabeth High School.

    The accused were re-arraigned on March 7, following the transfer of Justice Charles Archibong to another division of the court.

    Yunusa now becomes the third trial judge to hear the matter.

    The first judge was Justice Tijani Abubakar.