The Nation Newspaper

Tag: EFCC

  • Kalu, EFCC trade blames over money laundering trial delay

    FORMER Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday traded blames on who was responsible for delays in Kalu’s trial for alleged money laundering.

    The commission re-arraigned Kalu, Udeh Udeogu and Slok Nigeria Limited at the Federal High Court in Lagos on 34 counts of laundering N3.2billion, to which they pleaded not guilty.

    Yesterday, Kalu’s lawyer, Chief Charles Enwelunta, accused the prosecution of unduly prolonging the trial.

    He said the delay was taking a negative toll on the defendants and their businesses.

    The lawyer said: “The defendants who are presumed innocent until the contrary is proved are already having the feeling that they are being punished.

    “Their businesses have suffered and they cannot plan again for anything because of this case. Even, we as counsel cannot plan our time for anything again because of this suit.”

    Enwelunta said the prosecution indicated that it would close its case yesterday to enable the defendants open their defence.

    He said he was surprised that prosecution counsel plans to call additional seven witnesses.

    Thirteen witnesses have so far testified for the prosecution.

    “At the last adjourned date, the prosecutor gave us an impression that he would close his case today (yesterday), but I just learnt that an additional proof of evidence containing names of seven new witnesses has again been filed by the prosecution.

    “No one has an idea of when the prosecution will close its case in this matter. I urged my lord to intervene,” he said.

    Udeogu’s lawyer, Chief Solo Akuma (SAN), added that the prosecution’s case was becoming endless.

    “My lord, we were just served further additional proof of evidence containing names of seven additional witnesses by the prosecution.

    “This is after we were told that the prosecution would close its case today (yesterday). From all indications, the prosecution of this case is becoming endless,” he said.

    Slok Nigeria’s lawyer, K.C. Nwofor (SAN), agreed with his colleagues.

    But, EFCC’s lawyer Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) denied that the prosecution was responsible for the delay.

    He said the defendants were to blame for filing an interlocutory appeal that went up to the Supreme Court for nearly 10 years.

    EFCC said the defendants allegedly diverted about N3.2billion from the Abia’s treasury while Kalu was the governor.

    Trial continues today.

  • Oyo director’s absence stalls Ladoja’s money laundering trial

    The absence of a director in the Oyo State Government Civil Service on Monday stalled the trial of former Governor of the state, Rashidi Ladoja, at the Federal High Court in Lagos.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) re-arraigned Ladoja for allegedly converting N4.7billion from the state treasury to his personal use, eight years after he was first arraigned on the offence.

    Prosecuting counsel, Mr. Olabisi Oluwafemi said he was unable to bring his next witness to court because he was on a state assignment.

    He said: “Our next witness is a director in the service of the Oyo State Government. He is currently leading the Oyo State team in a meeting with the World Bank. The meeting is ongoing in Lagos. That is why he is not here.

    “I will be praying My Lord for an adjournment; the matter is for today, Tuesday and Wednesday.

    “He is available in Lagos and he has assured me that he will be available on Tuesday.

    Defence counsel, Messrs Bolaji Onilenla and Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, did not object to the request for an adjournment.

    Ladoja was charged along with Waheed Akanbi on eight- count charge of money laundering and unlawful conversion of public funds.

    EFCC accused them of converting N1,932,940,032.48 belonging to Oyo State to their personal use through the Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) account of a company, Heritage Apartments Limited, despite knowing that it was proceed of crime.

    The prosecution said Ladoja removed £600,000 from the state coffers in 2007 and sent it to Bimpe Ladoja in London.

    Ladoja also allegedly bought an armoured Land Cruiser jeep with N42million for himself, using public funds.

    EFCC said he converted N728,600,000 and another N77,850,000 at different times in 2007, and allegedly transferred N77, 850,000 to Bistrum Investments Limited, which he nominated to help him purchase a property named Quarter 361 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    The alleged offence, EFCC said, contravenes sections 17(a) and18 (1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2004 and punishable under sections 14(1), 16(a) (b) and 18(2).

    Ladoja and Akanbi pleaded not guilty to the charges.

     

  • Money laundering: Kalu, EFCC trade blames over trial delay

    A former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday traded blames on who was responsible for delay in the former governor’s trial for alleged money laundering.

    The Commission re-arraigned Kalu, Udeh Udeogu and Slok Nigeria Limited at the Federal High Court in Lagos on 34- count charge of laundering N3.2billion, to which they pleaded not guilty.

    Kalu’s lawyer, Chief Charles Enwelunta, had accused the prosecution of unduly prolonging the trial.

    He said the delay was taking a negative toll on the defendants and their businesses.

    The lawyer said: “The defendants who are presumed innocent until it is contrarily proved are already having the feeling that they are being punished.

    “Their businesses have suffered and they cannot plan again for anything because of this case. Even, we as counsel cannot plan our time for anything again because of this suit.”

    Enwelunta said the prosecution indicated that it would close its case on Monday to enable the defendants open their defence.

    The counsel said he was surprised that prosecution counsel plans to call additional seven witnesses.

    At least 13 witnesses have so far testified for the prosecution.

    “At the last adjourned date, the prosecutor gave us an impression that he would close his case today (Monday) but I just learnt that an additional proof of evidence containing names of seven new witnesses has again been filed by the prosecution.

    “No one has an idea of when the prosecution will close its case in this matter. I urged my lord to intervene,” he said.

    Udeogu’s lawyer, Chief Solo Akuma (SAN), added that the prosecution’s case was becoming endless.

    “My lord, we were just served further additional proof of evidence containing names of seven additional witnesses by the prosecution.

    “This is after we were told that the prosecution would close its case today (yesterday). From all indications, the prosecution of this case is becoming endless,” he said.

    Slok Nigeria’s lawyer, K. C. Nwofor (SAN), agreed with his colleagues.

    But, EFCC’s lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), denied that the prosecution was responsible for the delay.

    He said the defendants were to blame for filing an interlocutory appeal that went up to the Supreme Court for nearly 10 years.

    “The case was filed since 2007 and the defendants were challenging jurisdiction till 2015 before the Supreme Court made a final pronouncement on the issue.

    “I cannot be forced to close my case because we need to bring the facts before the court,” Jacobs said.

    Justice Mohammed Idris said it was not the court’s duty to direct the prosecution on how to handle its case.

  • EFCC closes case in trial of Jonathan’s ex-aide

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday closed its case in the prosecution former Senior Special Assistant to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Domestic Affairs, Dr Waripamo-Owei Dudafa.

    EFCC arraigned Dudafa and Iwejuo Joseph Nna before Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court in Lagos on 23 counts of conspiracy to conceal proceeds of crime amounting to over N1.6billion on June 11, 2013.

    Prosecuting counsel, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, after tendering some documents, said he had no more witnesses to call.

    He added that he intended to file an amended charge without re-opening his case.

    Defence counsel, Gboyega Oyewole (SAN) and Ige Asemudara, said they would make a no-case submission.

    The defendants allegedly concealed the sum through a company, Seagate Property Development and Investment Ltd, an  offence contrary to Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable  under Section 17(a).

    They were also accused of knowingly concealing proceeds of crime through Avalon Global Property Development Company Ltd in the sum of N 399, 470,000.00, among others.

    EFCC said Dudafa “procured” Nna and Ebiwise Resources to conceal N150million being proceeds of crime.

    Other companies allegedly used in laundering the money include Pluto Property And Investment Company Ltd, Rotato Inter Link Services Ltd and De Jakes Fast Food and Restaurant Nigerian Ltd.

    EFCC said Dudafa failed to furnish any information in relation to N616,526,506.70 allegedly held on his behalf by Seagate Property’s account: 7400046952 domiciled in Heritage Bank Ltd as required on Page 20 of the Declaration of Assets Form.

    The prosecution said he also failed to disclose N305,176,922.99 allegedly held on his behalf by Ebiwise Resource in a Heritage Bank account 1907938635; N64,319,555.66 held on his behalf by Avalon Global in a Heritage Bank account 6001984078;  N560,000,000.00 held for him by De Jakes Fast Food in Guaranty Trust Bank account 0042308722 and N10,253,246.85 held for him by Ibejige Services Ltd in an account numbered 6001983026 domiciled in Heritage Bank.

    The court had rejected Dudafa’s claim that he was “tormented” by EFCC officials while in detention.

    Dudafa had claimed that he was  “tormented” by EFCC officials in a bid to get him to implicate the former president.

    He said the statements were dictated to him, and that he was induced to sign in exchange for his freedom.

    Justice Idris dismissed the claim and admitted Dudafa’s  statements in evidence on the basis that their contents did not indicate that the defendants “confessed” to any crime.

    He was, however, silent on Dudafa’s claims that he was “tormented” and induced to make the statements.

    Justice Idris adjourned until April 25.

  • EFCC arraigns First Nation Airlines MD for alleged N1.7bn theft, forgery

    The Managing Director of First Nation Airlines, Mr. Kayode Odukoya, was yesterday arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before a Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos for alleged theft and forgery

    He was arraigned on a four count charge of alleged theft of N1.7 billion and forgery of Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) issued by the Lagos State Government before Justice Mojisola Dada.

    First Nation Airlines and Bellview Airlines are joined in the suit as second and third defendants.

    Prosecuting counsel of the EFCC, Mr M.S Usman,  alleged that the CEO of the airlines forged the Memorandum of Loss of Lagos State Certificate of Occupancy registered as No. 33 at page 33 volume 1011 at the Lagos State Land Registry, Alausa, Lagos, in order that the document be acted upon as genuine.

    The forged document was said to be in respect of a property located at No. 29, Oduduwa St., Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

    Odukoya was further alleged by the EFCC to have used the false document and also gave false information on oath concerning the loss of the Certificate of Occupancy at the Lagos State Land Registry.

    The commission also alleged that on October 7, 2016, Odukoya stole and converted to his own use N1. 7 billion belonging to Skye Bank Plc contrary to Sections 85, 86(1) 278(1)(b), 285, 361(1),(a) (b), 363 and 364(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.

    Usman asked the court to remand the first defendant in prison custody and fix a date for trial.

    But counsel to the defendants, John Odubela (SAN) told the court that he has filed application for bail for the first defendant and that he wanted to argue it.

    Odebela assured the court that his client would not jump bail.

    Justice Dada ordered that the defendant be kept in the custody of the EFCC till March 26, 2018 to rule on bail applications.

  • EFCC closes cases in trial of Jonathan’s ex-aide

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday closed its case in the prosecution of former Senior Special Assistant to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Domestic Affairs, Dr. Waripamo-Owei Dudafa.

    EFCC arraigned Dudafa and Iwejuo Joseph Nna before Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court in Lagos on 23-count charge of conspiracy to conceal proceeds of crime amounting to N1.6billion on June 11, 2013.

    Prosecuting counsel, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, after tendering some documents, said he had no more witnesses to call.

    Oyedepo added that he intended to file an amended charge without re-opening his case.

    Defence counsel, Gboyega Oyewole (SAN) and Ige Asemudara, said they would make a no-case submission on the matter.

    The defendants allegedly concealed the sum through a company, Seagate Property Development and Investment Ltd, an  offence contrary to Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable  under Section 17(a).

    They were also accused of knowingly concealing proceeds of crime through Avalon Global Property Development Company Ltd in the sum of N 399, 470,000.00, among others.

    EFCC said Dudafa “procured” Nna and Ebiwise Resources to conceal N150million being proceeds of crime.

     

  • EFCC arraigns First Nation Airline MD for alleged theft, forgery

    The Managing Director of First Nation Airlines, Mr. Kayode Odukoya, was on Friday arraigned before a Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, for alleged theft and forgery by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    He was arraigned on a four- count charge of alleged theft of N1.7 billion and forgery of Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) issued by the Lagos State Government before Justice Mojisola Dada.

    First Nation Airlines and Bellview Airlines are joined in the suit as second and third defendants.

    Odukoya, who has failed to appear in court on three occasions, was finally produced in court by the EFCC after he reported at Commission’s Lagos office on Wednesday.

    The EFCC counsel, Mr. M.S Usman, alleged that the First Nation MD forged the Memorandum of Loss of Lagos State CofO registered as No. 33 on page 33 volume 1011 at the Lagos State Land Registry, Alausa, Lagos.

    The forged document was in respect of a property located at No. 29, Oduduwa Street, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

  • Alleged scam: EFCC withdraws charges against ex-Oyo HoS, 11 others

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday withdrew the charges against ex- Head of Service in Oyo State, Alhaja Kudirat Adeleke, and 11 other persons arraigned for alleged N5.6 billion pension scam.

    The Commission announced its intention of discontinuance with the suit before Justice Laniran Akintola of the State High Court in Ibadan.

    Others linked with the alleged scam are – Muili Aderemi, Iyabo Giwa, Adesina Ayoade, Oguntayo Banji, Adebiyi Musenbiq, Muili Adedamola, Adeduntan Johnson, Bosede Johnson, Kareem Rasheed, Olujimi Adebayo and Adewale Kehinde.

    The EFCC’s counsel, Mr. Simon Ibekwute, informed the court that the Commission wanted the case to be discontinued as contained in the notice of discontinuance dated February 6 and filed on February. 9.

    Ibekwute told the court that not all the parties involved in the matter had been served and prayed for an adjournment to enable him serve them.

    Reacting, counsel to Adeleke, Mr. Richard Ogunwole (SAN), urged EFCC’s counsel to ensure that service was done early in order to ascertain the next line of action.

    Ogunwole expressed dismay at the case, saying the defendants’ property had been with the EFCC since 2013.

    NAN

  • N731m fraud: Ex-INEC men arraigned in Kwara

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arraigned two former workers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for alleged misappropriation of N731 million.

    Christian Nwosu and Tijani Nda Bashir were arraigned at a Kwara State High Court.

    The commission sued the defendants on a seven-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and theft.

    EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo said the offences were committed between 2013 and 2015 while the accused were in the employ of INEC in Kwara State.

    The charge reads: “That the defendants on the 27th of February, 2013 in Ilorin within the jurisdiction of the court, while in the employ of INEC, agreed among yourselves to carry out an illegal act in respect of the sum of N731 million entrusted to you in your capacity as public officers, contrary to  Section 97 of the Penal Code; that the two of you on March 31, 2014 agreed among yourselves to carry out acts of criminal breach of trust in respect of N77 million entrusted to you in your capacity as public officers; that on May 21, 2014 while in the employ of INEC agreed to carry out illegal acts in respect of the sum of N9.6 million entrusted to you in your capacity as public officers and that you Tijani Nda Bashir on 31st March, 2014 and March 4th, 2015 committed breach of trust in respect of N26.5 million entrusted to you in your capacity as a public officer, contrary to and punishable under Section 315 of the Penal Code.”

    Oyedepo added that “the synopsis of all that we have said is to show the court the grounds of preferring criminal charges, criminal breach of trust and theft against the defendants.”

    The EFCC counsel urged the court to grant his application in the interest of justice.

    When the charges were read to the accused persons, they pleaded not guilty.

    Having pleaded not guilty to the offences, Oyedepo urged the court to give the case accelerated hearing, pursuant to Section 19 sub-section 2b of EFCC Act.

    He added that “In view of the defendants’ pleas, they have deemed to have put themselves for trial.”

    He urged the court to avail his team of convenient time to assemble “our witnesses, praying the court to remand the accused in prison custody, pending the hearing and determination of the case.

    But counsel to both defendants, Obinna Okereke and Nelson Imo, opposed the application seeking to remand the defendants in prison custody.

    They sought the constitutional power of the court to grant the clients bail, arguing that the offences committed were bailable.

    Okereke and Imo opted for oral application, praying the court “to admit them to bail on liberal terms of sefl-recognisance.

    Okereke averred that the “court is conferred with constitutional and statutory powers to judicially and judiciously exercise its discretion.”

    After listening to the parties’ arguments and counter-arguments, the presiding Judge, Sikiru Oyinloye, in his ruling said: “It is my considered position that bail can be granted even though a prima-facie has been established against the defendants. I thereby admit them to bail of N50 million each in like sum.”

    Justice Oyinloye added that the defendants must produce two sureties each and that each of the sureties must have landed property within the jurisdiction.

    He said the defendants should also provide their photographs with that of their sureties, ordering the defendants to deposit their international passports with the chief registrar of the Kwara State High Court.

    Justice Oyinloye added that the bail could be revoked if any of the accused persons failed to appear in court during trial.

    However, pending the perfection of the bail conditions, Justice Oyinloye ordered that the defendants be remanded in Mandala prison.

    He adjourned the case till April 26 and 27 for commencement of trial.

     

     

  • EFCC arraigns ex-INEC staff in court for alleged N731m fraud

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arraigned two former staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in court for alleged misappropriation of N731 million.

    The two former staff Christian Nwosu and Tijani Nda Bashir were arraigned in an Ilorin state High Court.

    The commission accused the defendants on seven count charge which bordered on criminal breach of trust and theft.

    In charge number KWS/19c/2018, counsel to the EFCC Rotimi Oyedepo said that the offences were committed between 2013 and 2015 whilst the accused were in the employment of INEC in Kwara state.

    The charge reads: “That the defendants on the 27th of February, 2013 in Ilorin within the jurisdiction of the court whilst in the employment of INEC agreed amongst yourselves to carry out an illegal  acts in respect of sum of N731 million entrusted to you in your capacity as public officers contrary to the provisions of Section 97

    of the Penal Code; that the two of you on March 31st, 2014 agreed among yourselves to carry out acts of criminal breach of trust in respect of N77 million entrusted to you in your capacity as public officers; that on May 21st, 2014 while in the employment of INEC agreed to carry out illegal acts in respect of the sum of N9.6 million entrusted to you in your capacity as public officers and that you Tijani Nda Bashir on 31st March 2014 and March 4th, 2015 committed breach of trust in respect of N26.5 million entrusted to you in your capacity as a public officer contrary to and punishable under section 315 of the Penal Code.”

    Mr. Oyedepo added that “the synopsis of all that we have said is to show the court the grounds of preferring criminal charges, criminal breach of trust and theft against the defendants.”

    The EFCC counsel then urged the court to grant his application in the interest of justice.

    When the charges were read to the hearing of the accused persons they pleaded not guilty to the offences.

    Having pleaded not guilty to the offences Mr. Oyedepo urged the court to give the case accelerated hearing pursuant to Section 19 sub-section 2b of EFCC Act.

    He added that “in view of the defendants pleas they have deemed to have put themselves for trial.”

    He also urged the court to avail his team convenient time to assemble “our witnesses, praying the court to remand the accused in prison custody pending the hearing and determination of the case.

    But counsel to both defendants, Obinna Okereke and Nelson Imo opposed the application seeking to remand the defendants in prison custody.

    Both sought the constitutional powers of the court to grant the clients bail, arguing that the offences committed were bailable.

    Both Mr. Okereke and Imo opted to oral application praying that the court “to admit them to bail on liberal terms of sefl-recognisance.

    Okereke averred that the “court is conferred with constitutional and statutory powers to judicially and judiciously exercise its discretion.”

    After listening to the parties’ arguments and counter arguments, Presiding Judge Sikiru Oyinloye in his ruling said “it is my considered position that bail can be granted even though a prima-facie has been established against the defendants, I thereby admit them to bail of N50 million each in like sum.

    Justice Oyinloye added that the defendants must produce to sureties each and that each of the sureties must landed property within the jurisdiction.

    He added that the defendants should also provide their photographs with that of their sureties, ordering the defendants to deposit their international passports with the Chief Registrar of the Kwara state High Court.

    He added that the bail could be revoked if any of the accused persons failed to appear in court during trial.

    However, pending the perfection of the bail conditions, Justice Oyinloye ordered that the defendants be remanded in Mandala prison.

    He then adjourned the case to April 26th and 27th for commencement of trail.