The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Federal High Court

EFCC asks court to order Ladoja’s arrest

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Friday asked the Federal High Court in Lagos to order the arrest of former Oyo State Governor Rashidi Ladoja.

It is for his alleged refusal to show up in court for arraignment in a N4.7 billion money laundering charge.

Ladoja was charged along with his former aide, Chief Waheed Akanbi.

Prosecuting counsel Olabisi Oluwafemi said the defendants were invited to the EFCC but did not honour the invitation.

According to him, the defendants deliberately stayed away from court and merely sent their lawyers to represent them.

He urged the court to issue a bench warrant against the defendants.

But, Ladoja’s lawyer, Bolaji Onilenle, said he did not know the matter was for arraignment as the case was still pending at the Supreme Court.

Besides, he said EFC gave a fiat to Mr Festus Keyamo to prosecute the case, not Oluwafemi, who is a counsel in Keyamo’s firm.

“We are challenging the locus standi of the prosecuting lawyer to set this matter down for hearing. If the flat is given to Keyamo, no other person in his chamber can take it over. It cannot be transferred.

“Keyamo should personally prosecute it, he cannot transfer the prosecutorial power to any other person in his chamber,” Onilenle said.

He said Ladoja had filed an applicatio to relist his appeal, which was struck out, at the Supreme Court.

The defence counsel added that to continue with the trial would amount to disrespecting the Supreme Court.

Ladoja had through his former lawyer, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) appealed against the decision of a Federal High Court, Lagos, which refused to quash the 10 counts of money laundering.

But, the Court of Appeal ordered the former governor to continue his trial at the lower court.

EFCC alleged that Ladoja and Akanbi conspired to convert properties and resources derived from an alleged illegal act, with the intention of concealing their illicit origin.

The anti-graft agency also alleged that Ladoja used N42milliob out of the proceeds to purchase an Armoured Land Cruiser Jeep, and remitted about £600,000 to one Bimpe Ladoja in London.

Ladoja and Akanbi had pleaded not guilty when they were first arraigned.

Justice Mohammed Idris adjourned until November 25 for ruling on the application for warrant of arrest.

November 18, 2016
Ondo: Appeal Court withholds judgment in Jegede’s appeal

…To await Supreme Court’s directive

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has withheld its judgment in the appeal filed by the substituted governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN).

Jegede had appealed the decision of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to substitute his name (Jegede’s) for Jimoh Ibrahim as the party’s candidate for the election scheduled for November 26.

The Justice Ibrahim Saulawa led three-man special appeal panel, which heard the appeal marked: CA/A/551C/2016 and other appeals relating to the Ondo PDP dispute, had scheduled judgment for 12noon Friday (today) in the Jegede appeal.

Parties and all in court were however surprised when, upon resumption of proceedings, Justice Saulawa said the judgement and all other issues would be suspended until the Supreme Court decides a motion for stay of proceedings pending before it.

Justice Saulawa, who cited a fresh motion filed Thursday before the Supreme Court by nine individuals led by the factional Chairman of PDP in Ondo, Biyi Poroye challenging the refusal of the appeal panel to stay proceedings, said his panel will await the decision of the Supreme Court on the pending application for stay of proceedings.

Jegede and all his supporters, who formed the majority of the court’s audience, were unhappy about the court’s pronouncement.

‎Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has fixed next Tuesday for the hearing of the motion for stay of proceedings filed by the nine respondents led by Poroye.

They are by the motion, seeking the stay of further proceedings by the appeal ‎panel pending the determination by the Supreme Court, of an appeal by the Poroye group against the panel’s ruling granting leave to Jegede, Ahmed Makarfi and Ben Obi to appeal the June 29 judgement and October 14 ruling by Justice Abang.

November 18, 2016
Biafra: Court to decide Kanu, others’ bail, Dec 1

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja has scheduled ruling for December 1 in the bail applications by leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, and three others.

Others are Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi.

They were re-arraigned on November 8 before Justice Nyako on an 11-count amended charge. Justice Nyako is the third judge before who they are being arraigned, the other two having withdrawn following allegations by Kanu that they were bias.

They are charged with treasonable felony, managing an unlawful society, publication of defamatory matter, illegal possession of firearms and improper importation of goods.

Onwudiwe is charged alone, in one of the counts, with terrorism.

Their alleged offences are in relation to the defendants’ alleged broadcasts on Radio Biafra and agitation for the creation of Biafra Republic from states in the South-East and South-South zones and other communities in Kogi and Benue states.

Thursday, defence lawyers, including Ifeanyi Ejiofor (for Kanu); I. Adoga (for Onwudiwe); E. I Efeme (for Madubugwu) and Maxwell Okpara (for Nwaiwusi) argued their separate bail applications.

They urged the court to dismiss the counter-affidavit filed in opposition to their clients’ applications.

The defence lawyers argued that the prosecution’s claim, to the effect that the defendants will constitute a threat to national security if released on bail pending trial, was unsustainable.

Efeme argued: “The prosecution has the duties to give the particulars of how the defendants would constitute national security. These documents (provided by the prosecution) do not show such.

“It is the duty of the prosecution to show how the third defendant and the rest of the defendants should not enjoy bail, and we are saying they have not,” he said.

Adoge complained that his client, Onwudiwe was yet to be transferred to prison from the custody of the Department of State Service, despite the court’s order to that effect.

He argued that the charge against his client was a mere “smokescreen”.

“The Supreme Court has said when the charge is found to be a smokescreen, the court is bound to grant bail to the defendant,” he said.

Okpara contended that the counter-affidavit filed by the prosecution in opposition to his client’s bail application was “fundamentally defective” and should be struck out.

He urged the court to grant bail to his client on basis of the alleged defects in the bail application, a situation which he said implied that the application was not opposed.

He also argued that contrary to the contention of the prosecution, the defendants would only constitute national security threat if they continued on remand, but that “there will be peace if they are released”.

On his part, lead prosecution lawyer, Magaji Labaran argued his counter-affidavits and urged the court to dismiss the bail applications and order accelerated hearing in the case.

He cautioned the court against granting bail to the defendants, particularly Onwudiwe, who is charged with terrorism.

Labaran informed the court about an application he filed seeking protection for prosecution’s witnesses.

Lawyers to the defendants confirmed being served with the applicant, but sought time to enable them respond.

Justice Nyako consiquently adjourned to December 1 for ruling.

November 17, 2016
Contempt: Court orders Ekiti Speaker to appear November 24

…Insists Lawmaker-Elect must be sworn in

A Federal High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti has ordered the House of Assembly Speaker Kola Oluwawole to appear before it unfailingly on November 24 to explain why he failed to obey its order to swear in Toyin Obayemi as the lawmaker for Ado Constituency 1.

Justice Taiwo Taiwo who gave the order on Thursday showed his displeasure at the absence of the Speaker insisting that he (Oluwawole) as the head of the institution that makes law in the state must show example by obeying the law.

The judge’s order was Oluwawole’s last chance to clear himself of the alleged contempt or risks committal to prison.

The drama played out in hearing of the contempt charge filed by Obayemi against the Speaker for his refusal to inaugurate the latter as the legislator to represent Ado Constituency 1 in line with the judgment of the court delivered on July 4.

Expressing dismay with the Speaker’s action, Justice Taiwo said: “All I want is that the order of this court must be obeyed by the Speaker. Tell him that he must appear before me next week and applicant’s counsel must serve everything that must be served today.

“He is the Speaker who should be warned to obey the order of the court and since the 1st Respondent has been served with the Certificate of Return, he must obey the order to swear in the Applicant.

“Majority of our lawmakers are not lawyers but the lawyers among them have turned themselves to politicians. The Speaker must appear at the next date of adjournment; people responsible for churning out laws must be above board.”

Director of Civil Litigation in the Ministry of Justice, Sunday Bamise, who appeared for the Speaker hinged his absence on what he called “a pressing state matter” saying it was not in the character of his client to disregard the court.

Bamise told the court that the Speaker had received Form 48 which is a notice to appear before the court and had not been served Form 49 which is a notice of why the order of committal to prison for failure to obey judgment will not be made against him (Oluwawole).

Counsel to the Applicant (Obayemi), Olayinka Sokoya, said the non-service of form 49 does not preclude Oluwawole from appearing before the court but Justice Taiwo insisted that the due process must be followed.

Bamise’s explanation that the matter was on appeal did not convince the judge who replied that there was no stay of the judgment which makes it to subsist.

Justice Taiwo subsequently adjourn the case to November 24 after the two lawyers had agreed on the date for Speaker Oluwawole to appear and offer explanation on why he had refused to obey the order of the court.

November 17, 2016
Appeal Court reserves judgment in Jegede’s appeal against Ibrahim

A Special 3-man panel of the Court of Appeal constituted to hear the appeals on the dispute of governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has reserved judgment in the appeal by the substituted candidate of the party, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN).

The panel, led by Justice Ibrahim Saulawa told parties Wednesday that they would be informed when the judgment was ready.

Jegede appealed the October 14, 2016 ruling of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja, directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to substitute Jegede with Jimoh Ibrahim as the candidate of the PDP in the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo State.

Justice Saulawa’s announcement elicited complaint from the camp of the respondents comprising state’s executive of the PDP in the South West (loyal to the Ali Modu Sheriff leadership of the party), led by Biyi Poroye, Chairman, PDP, Ondo State.

Their lawyer argued that Jegede’s lawyer was allowed to adopt the appellant’s brief where the respondents were yet to file their reqponsents’ brief as required and to allow the court hear from both sides.

Respondents’ lawyer, Beluolisa Nwofor (SAN) had argued that the court could not hear the substantive appeal in view of the pending appeal at the Supreme Court.

He told the Appeal Court panel that his clients have appealed its earlier ruling granting leave to Jegede to appeal and that they have also filed a motion for stay of proceedings before the Supreme Court.

Nwofor, who tendered certified true copies of the record of appeal and motion for stay of proceedings, urged the court to abide by the long held tradition of deferring to a higher court once an appeal is entered and record of appeal compiled.

He argued that since their appeal was entered at the Supreme Court and a motion for stay of proceedings also pending before the apex court, the appellate panel has lost jurisdiction to proceed with the appeal by Jegede.

“We have asked this court to hands off and await the Supreme Court’s decision on our motion for stay of proceedings. This court has lost the jurisdiction to proceed with this appeal. It should await the decision of the Supreme Court.

Appellant’s lawyer, Wole Olanipekun (SAN) faulted Nwofor’s argument and urged the court to proceed to hear his cleint’s appeal.

He argued that, for his client, time was of the essence because by the new provision of the Electoral Act, a person, who did not participate in all process of an election cannot challenge its outcome.

Justice Saulawa however overruled Nwofor, noting that the court had, on November 10, 2016 granted an accelerated hearing in the case, abridged the time within which parties are to file their processes and a departure from the rules.

Shortly after the judge’s spoke, Olanipekun adopted his client’s appellant’s brief and urged the court to allow the appeal.

Nwofor, who expressed surprise at the development, said his clients had been shot out. He said the court failed to abide by tradition where appeals are entered.

As Justice Saulawa announced the reservation of judgment, supporters of Jimoh Ibrahim and Sheriff, who occupied a section of the court, began to murmur.

Meanwhile the court has adjourned to 12noon today to enable Poroye and other respondents in the appeal by Senators Ahmed Makarfi and Ben Obi to file their respondents’ briefs.

Makarfi and Obi are appealing the June 29 judgement of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja recognising the Sheriff-led National Executive Council of the PDP as the party’s authentic leadership body.

The court, in two separate rulings Wednesday, refused applications by Ibrahim to be made a party in both appeals.

November 16, 2016
Judge knocks EFCC for re-arresting Fani-Kayode in court

…Ex-Minister seeks case transfer to Abuja

Justice Sule Hassan of the Federal High Court in Lagos Monday expressed displeasure with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for re-arresting former Minister of Aviation Chief Femi Fani-Kayode within the court premises.

Fani-Kayode was arraigned along with former Minister of State for Finance, Senator Nenadi Usman on a 17-count charge of laundering about N4.6billion. They pleaded not guilty.

They were charged along with former Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) and ex-Chairman of Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State Mr. Yusuf Danjuma and a company said to belong to him, Jointrust Dimentions Nigeria Limited.

Justice Hassan granted them bail, but the commission’s agents re-arrested Fani-Kayode as he was stepping out of on October 21 when he came for trial.

He was subsequently taken to the court’s Abuja Division where he was arraigned before Justice John Tsoho on fresh N26million fraud charge.

When the case resumed before Justice Hassan in Lagos yesterday, Fani-Kayode was absent. His lawyer, Mr S. I. Balogun, told Justice Hassan that Fani-Kayode was in detention at Kuje Prison having not met his bail conditions.

He said: “When he was arrested in Lagos, EFCC did not exhibit any arrest warrant. The team leader said he was acting on orders from above.

“After his arraignment in Abuja, EFCC lied to the judge that it was through intelligence that Fani-Kayode was arrested and that he would jump bail. They never disclosed that he was arrested in court.

“As at this morning, he has been transferred to Kuje Prison. His family and friends have been making efforts to perfect his bail. We condemn in strong terms the prosecution’s style.”

Danjuma’s lawyer, Mr S. I. Ameh (SAN), said EFCC’s action was an affront on the court.

“Most times they do these things because they get away with it. They should have produced him in court this morning to show that what they did was not deliberate,” he said.

EFCC’s lawyer Oyedepo Rotimi said the case in Abuja had no connection with the one in Lagos.

He said he was not aware that Fani-Kayode was rearrested within the court as he was attending to another case before another judge on the day of the incident.

“My attention was not drawn to his arrest in court even though I was before another judge,” he said.

He said Fani-Kayode was arrested “with a view to serving him with the charge and presenting him before Justice Tsoho for the purpose of his arraignment”.

While Rotimi was speaking, the judge cut in and said: ” He (Fani-Kayode) was arrested in the court premises in flagrant disobedient of the order of this court and kept in detention for 21 days.”

The judge went on: “In a civilised society, are you supposed to keep him in detention after he was granted bail?”

When Rotimi said he was not part of Fani-Kayode’s re-arrest, Justice Hassan said: “Instead of defending what you don’t know, you should have simply said you were not privy to the facts of the case.”

It was at this point that Rotimi apologised, saying: “In the unlikely event that your Lordship construes his arrest as disobedience to the order granting him bail, we apologise.”

In a short ruling while adjourning the case, the judge said he would not make any further comments in order prejudice any application Fani-Kayode may file against his re-arrest.

Usman’s lawyer Chief Ferdinand Orbih (SAN) said his client has a pending application praying the court to transfer the case to Abuja.

“In summary, we’re saying the forum is not convenient,” he said.

In the charge before Justice Hassan, Fani-Kayode and others were accused of indirectly retaining N300million, N400million and N800million, all proceeds of corruption. EFCC said they allegedly committed the offence between last January 8 and last March 25, 2015 ahead of last year’s general election.

In another count, the prosecution alleged that Fani-Kayode directly retained N350million which he ought to have “reasonably known formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: stealing.”

The commission said Fani-Kayode directly used the sum of N170million, among other sums, which he reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of corruption and stealing.

He was also accused of doing cash transaction of N24million with Olubode Oke, said to still be at large, without going through a financial institution.

The offence, EFCC said, violates sections 1(a) and 16(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable under Section 16(2)(b).

Justice Hassan adjourned until December 12 for trial.

November 14, 2016
Armsgate: Court remands Air Force chief, Omenyi, two others in Kuje prison

…To hear Diamond Bank’s staff bail motion Monday

Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court, Abuja ordered Friday that three men, including Air Vice Marshall Tony Omenyi (retired) be remanded in Kuje prison.

Also to be kept in Kuje prison are an employee of Diamond Bank Plc, Babatunde Faro and Sada Adamu.

The judge ordered their remand after they were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on two separate charges.

Omenyi and his company, Huzee Nigeria Limited were arraigned on a 3-count charge of abuse of office and money laundering involving N136.325.000.00.

Omenyi and his firm are being prosecuted for their alleged roles in the diversion of funds meant for the purchase of arms by the military.

Omenyi pleaded not guilty when the charge was read, following which his lawyer, Wahab Olatoye urged the court to dismiss the claim of the prosecution, to the effect that he (prosecution lawyer) was ready for trial.

Olatoye argued that he was yet to be served the statements of the defendants and the prosecution’s witnesses as recommended under the ‘Practice Direction Act, 2013’.

He applied for his client’s bail orally, arguing that the defendant, under the law was presumed innocent until proved otherwise.

In a brief ruling, the judge noted that all the necessary materials have been filed ny the prosecution and adjourned to November 14 for the hearing of the defendant’s formal bail application.

One of the counts in the charge reads:

“That you, AIR VICE MARSHALL TONY OMENYI (whilst being a public officer) and HUZEE NIGERIA LIMITED between 16th and 23rd August, 2014 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court took possession of the sum of N61,525,000.00 (sixty one million, five hundred and twenty five thousand naira only) transferred to the FCMB account of Huzee Nigeria Limited by SkyExperts Nigeria Limited, a contractor of AETSL, when you reasonably ought to have known that the said funds formed part of the proceeds of unlawful activity ( to wit: corruption) of Air Vice Marshall Tony Omenyi and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act”.

Faro and Admu were arraigned separately on a four-count charge of money laundering, false declaration of assets and fraud to the tune of $1million.

Adamu was alleged to have made cash payment of the said sum being an amount exceeding the stipulated N5million threshold stipulated by law, to Faro.

The offence is said to be punishable under Section 1(a) of the Money Laundering Act, 2011 as amended and punishable under Section 15(2)(b) of the same Act.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge, following which their lawyers, W. Y. Maman and W. T. Iorshe prayed the court to grant their clients bail pending trial.

Justice Dimgba adjourned to November 14, 2016 for ruling on the bail application and ordered the accused persons to be remanded in Kuje prison.

November 11, 2016
Alleged N2.1b debt: Skye Bank takes over Obat Oil’s depot

The Federal High Court in Lagos has directed Skye Bank Plc to take over Obat Oil and Petroleum Limited’s depot over an alleged N2.1billion debt.

Justice Jude Dagat issued an order directing the Inspector-General of Police, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, the Lagos Commissioner of Police as well as the court’s Deputy Sheriff to assist in the enforcement of the order.

Obat Oil and Petroleum’s depot at H.I.M. Oba (Dr.) F.E.O. Akinruntan Close, Beachland Estate, Apapa, Lagos, was sealed up yesterday pending liquidation of the debt.

The order followed an Originating Motion by Skye Bank seeking the enforcement of an arbitral award dated August 7, 2015.

Skye Bank had sought to recover a loan debt N2, 142,462,572.26 owed it by Obat Oil and Petroleum. The loan was guaranteed by His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Frederick Eniti Akinruntan.

The bank further sought to recover 15 per cent interest on the amount from April 2014 till the liquidation of the debt.

The case was taken before an arbitrator, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), during which Obat Oil and Dr. Akinruntan appealed for concessions and waivers on the amount of accrued interest, fees and commissions.

After the arbitration, the Arbitrator held that it would be fair and equitable to award N1, 406,944,352.76 to the claimant, which represents the amount the respondents admitted as being the outstanding balance as at March 31. Aare Babalola also awarded 10 per cent interest annually on the N1.4billion from the April 1l, 2014, till final liquidation of the amount.

The bank, however, alleged that Obat Oil and Dr Akinruntan failed to comply with the Arbitration Award. It applied to the court to order the award’s enforcement.

Granting the application, Justice Dagat made an order granting Skye Bank leave to enforce the Arbitration Award against the respondents.

In compliance with the order, Skye Bank Friday proceeded to enforce the Arbitration Award against Obat Oil and Petroleum and Oba Akinruntan.

November 11, 2016
Fani-Kayode arraigned again in Abuja for money laundering

Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode was Thursday arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja on a five-count of money laundering.

The charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/140/2016, which has Femi Fani Kayode as the sole defendant, was filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Fani-Kayode was alleged to have received through his police aid, one Victor Ehiabhi, the cash sum of N26million paid to him by the former Director of Finance and Administration (DFA) of the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, Shuaibu Salisu on the instruction of the former NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd).

Ehiabhi and Salisu had through written statements, admitted paying the money to Fani-Kayode in cash.

The prosecution said Fani-Kayode handled the cash without going through financial institution as required under the Money Laundering Act.

Fani-Kayode, who was the Director of Media and Publicity in the campaign organisation of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, is already standing trial on a 17-count charge of money laundering before a Federal High Court in Lagos.

He is being tried in Lagos with a former Finance Minister, Nenadi Usman, Danjuma Yusuf and a firm, Joint Trust Dimension Nig. Ltd.

They are charged with unlawful retention, unlawful use and unlawful payment of money to the tune of N4.9 billion on the defendants.

When the five-count charge was read to Fani-Kayode yesterday before the Federal High Court, Abuja, he pleaded not guilty.

Following his not guilty plea, prosecution lawyer, Johnson Ojogbane, asked the court for a date to commence trial.

Defence lawyer, Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN) informed the court about the bail application he filed for his client.

Upon the court’s permission, Adedipe moved the application and urged the court to grant his client bail.

He said by the fact the offence for which the defendant is charged, it is bailable. He said Fani-Kayode has been in EFCC’s custody for 21 days.

“My Lord, I will also like to draw your attention to the fact that the defendant is facing trial before Justice M. S. Hassan in Lagos and he has granted him bail.

“We hereby urge the court to grant the accused bail on self-recognition as he has twice served as a Minister to the Federal Republic of Nigeria or in the alternative, grant him bail on liberal terms that will enable him attend his trial”, he prayed.

Ojogbane, while responding, relied on Section 35 (1)(c) and 35 (4)(a) of the Constitution in arguing that “although the defendant has been in custody for 21 days, we are still within the ambits of the law as the arrest and detention was done for the sole purpose of bringing the defendant to court.

“I therefore urge the court to excise its discretion judiciously and judicially in granting the accused bail,” Ojogbane said.

Trial judge, Justice John Tsoho, in his ruling, admitted the defendant to bail at N50million and one surety in like sum.

The judge said the surety must be a resident of the FCT and must have a landed property within the FCT.

He ordered that Fani-Kayode be remanded in prison custody pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions.

Justice Tsoho adjourned to December 14, 2016 for trial.

The charge reads:

Court one

That you Chief Femi Fani-Kayode on or about the day of 24 November, 2014 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this honourable court directly took possession or control of the sum of N26,000,000.00 (twenty six million) paid through one Victor Ehiabhi by one Salisu Shuaibu, who was then the Director of Finance and Administration on the instruction of Col. Mohammed Dasuki Former National Security Adviser purporting the money to be payment for contract when you reasonably ought to have known that the said fund formed of the proceeds of an part unlawful activity of Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki and Shuaibu Salisu (to wit: criminal breach of trust and corrupt and thereby committed an offence to Section 15(2), (d) of the contrary Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended in 2012 and punishable under section 158 of the same Act.

Count two

That you chief Femi Fani-Kayode or about the 24th day of on November, 2014 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this honourable court directly converted the sum of N26,000,000:00 (twenty six million naira only which was paid to you in cash sum from the office of the National security Adviser(ONSA) purporting same to be payment for media campaign for the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Office of the President when reasonably ought to have known that the said funds you formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful activity (To wit: Criminal breach of trust and corruption) of Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (rtd) the then National Security Adviser and salisu Shuaibu the then Director of Finance and Administration and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 15(2) (b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended in 2012 and punishable under section 159 of the same Act.

Count three

That you Chief Femi Fam-Kayode on or about the 24th day of November, 2014 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this honourable count did retain the of N26,000,000.00 (twenty sum six million naira purporting same to be payment for media campaign on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria and the office of the President when you reasonable ought to have known that such fund directly represented the proceeds of unlawful activity of Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (rtd) the then National Security Adviser and Shuaibu Salisu the then Director of Finance and Administration office of the National security Adviser (to wit: Criminal breach of trust and corruption and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 17 (b) of the Money Laundering Prohibition) Act 2011 as amended in 2012 and punishable under section (17) (b) of the same Act

Count four

That you Chief Femi Fani-Kayode on or about the 24th day of you November, 2014 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court having reason to know that the sum of N26,000,000.00 (twenty six million naira directly represented the proceeds of an unlawful activity of Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (rtd) the then National Security Adviser and Shuaibu Salisu the then Director of Finance and Administration (to wit: Criminal breach of trust and corruption) in respect of the said amount used the said fund for media campaign activities and other personal purposes and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 15(2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition Act 2011 as amended in 2012 and punishable under section 15(3) and 9 of the same Act.

Count five

That you Chief Femi Fam-Kayode on or about the 24th day of November, 2014 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did accept cash payment valued at N26,000,000.00 (twenty six million Naira from the office of the National Security Adviser through one Victor Ehiabhi your security detail which sum was over and above the required threshold for cash payments and thereby committed an you offence contrary to section la of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 amended in 2012 and punishable under as 16(1)(a) of the same Act.

November 10, 2016
Man bags three years for drug peddling

The Federal High Court, Lagos Thursday, sentenced a man, Rasheed Adekunle, to three years imprisonment for unlawfully selling Cannabis Sativa, also known as Marijuana and other controlled drugs.

Justice Chika Obiozor convicted Adekunle following his plea of guilt to one count of unlawful dealing in the banned substance.

The charge was preferred against him by the National Drugs Laws and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Justice Obiozor pronounced judgment after listening to the convict’s leniency plea and ordered that the sentence would commence from August 17, when Adekunle was arrested.

The court also ordered that the substances, which were presented as exhibits in court, be destroyed by the NDLEA if there was no any appeal against the judgment.

Earlier, prosecuting counsel Jeremiah Aernan, who reviewed the facts, said Adekunle was arrested by the agency on August 17, at Two Boys House, Iba Road, Ibeju-Ajah, Lagos.

He was found with “2.1 kilogrammes of Cannabis Sativa, a narcotic similar to cocaine, heroin and other controlled drugs which he was not permitted by law to carry,” Aernan said.

According to the prosecutor, the offence was contrary to and punishable under Section 11(c) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

November 10, 2016