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<h1>The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday re-arraigned a former Managing Director of the defunct Intercontinental Bank PLC, Erastus Akingbola in a Federal High Court in Lagos, for alleged Money Laundering charges.</h1>

He is charged by the EFCC with amended 22 count charge bordering on the offence.

He had pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecution had opened its case and its second witness, Mr Abdulraheem Jimoh is still been led in evidence.

When the case was called on Wednesday, the prosecutor Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) informed the court of an amended charge filed by prosecution.

He urged the court to accept the charge and cause the plea of the defendant to be taken afresh.

Akingbola was re-arraigned on the charge written Further Amended Charge, and marked FHC/L/443C/2009.

In the charge, he was alleged to have between November 2007 and July 2008, while being the MD of Intercontinental Bank, caused to be created a misleading appearance of active trading in the shares of the bank in the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

He was alleged to have been connected with the utilization of an aggregate sum of N179.4 billion of the bank’s fund, for the purchase of the bank’s shares, thereby inflating the rate of the bank’s shares on the NSE.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges, on his re-arraignment, and after his plea was taken, trial continued.

The witness an Investigator, who had earlier given evidence before the court, was cross examined by defence counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN).

When asked by defence if he recalls that in his statement before an Ikeja High Court he had testified writing the statement at the EFCC office, the witness replied “I can’t recall”

The Court has adjourned until March 14 for continuation of trial.

In the charge, the defendant was also accused of converting an aggregate sum of 1.3 million dollars and 8.5 million dollars, which sum was taken from the bank’s GBP NOSTRO account at Deutsche Bank in London.

The sum was said to have been remitted into the account of Fuglers Solicitors with the Royal Bank of Scotland in London, to purchase property in the name of Life Boat Settlement Trust, set up by the defendant.

According to the prosecution, the defendant knew that the sums represented proceeds of crime which includes stealing.

The offences contravene the provisions of sections 105(1) and 105(a), of the Investment and Securities Act, 2007.

It also contravenes the provisions of sections 13 (1), 15(1)(a), and 28(3) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act, Cap B3, Laws of the Federation 2004.

The offence also contravene the provisions of sections 14(1) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2004

Former Managing Director of the defunct Intercontinental Bank PLC, Erastus Akingbola [premiumtimesng]

He is charged by the EFCC with amended 22 count charge bordering on the offence.

EFCC re-arraigns ex-Intercontinental Bank MD Erastus Akingbola

<h1>A Federal High Court Lagos, Wednesday, fixed April 12, to hear oral evidence in a suit by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), seeking final forfeiture of about 8.4 million dollars, and N7.4 billion linked to former first Lady, Patience Jonathan.</h1>

Justice Mojisola Olatoregun had in a ruling delivered on Feb.28, on the motion for final forfeiture, held that there were conflicting affidavit evidences, which could be best resolved if respective parties were called upon to give oral evidence.

The case was consequently, adjourned until March 13 (today) for oral evidences.

On Wednesday, the case could not proceed as earlier scheduled , while April 12 has been fixed as return date

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the EFCC had secured an interim order for forfeiture of the sums on April 20, 2018, before Olatoregun, following a motion exparte.

It joined as respondents: Patience Jonathan, Globus Integrated Services Ltd, Finchley Top Homes Ltd., Am-Pm Global Network Ltd, Pagmat Oil and Gas Ltd and Magel Resort Ltd and Esther Oba.

NAN reports that on Oct. 29, 2018, EFCC counsel, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, had moved his motion for final forfeiture of the sums, urging that same be finally forfeited to the Federal Government.

Meanwhile, defence counsel, Messrs Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN), Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), and Mr Ige Asemudara had respectively moved their processes in opposition to the motion for final forfeiture.

On Jan. 15, the court had admitted electronic evidences presented by respondent counsel, which depicted video exhibits showing various business outfits of the third and sixth respondents

The court had then adjourned for judgment.

In a ruling on Feb.28, the judge had first dismissed an application by counsel to the respondents, seeking to set aside the interim forfeiture orders made on April 20, 2018.

The court had held that it was satisfied that the requirement for the grant of the interim orders was met by the EFCC, adding that it was clear that at the time the interim order was made, there was no pending suit elsewhere.

Meanwhile, giving its ratio on the motion for final forfeiture, the court held that it finds the affidavit evidences conflicting, adding that same can only be resolved, if the parties concerned were called upon to give oral evidences.

“The applicant relied on two grounds (1) That the court has the statutory power under section 17, to grant the reliefs sought and (2) That the monies are suspected to be proceeds of an unlawful activity or unlawful activities, diverted from the Federal Government of Nigeria,”

The court had asked if having regards to the provisions of sections 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, as well as the available facts before the court, the applicant has made out a case for final forfeiture of the sums.

The judge noted the various processes filed by parties to the suit which includes, affidavits, counter affidavits, further affidavits, reply affidavits written addresses, as well as exhibits .

“I have examined the issues raised on both sides and i came to the conclusion after exhaustively going through the affidavits filed by parties, and i found the affidavits conflicting on material facts.

“I believe in the circumstance, that the court cannot rely on its own opinion alone; the conflict must only be determined or resolved by the evidences of parties themselves, particularly as it relates to the source of the funds.

“I believe parties should be heard and cross examined on this issue.

“Parties are accordingly called upon to give oral testimonies in support of the case presented,” The court had held.

The case was consequently, adjourned until March 13 (today) for oral evidences.

Court to hear evidence on final forfeiture suit against Patience Jonathan on April 12

<h1>Justice Muslim Hassan of a Federal High Court in Lagos, on Wednesday, refused to step down in an ongoing trial involving two chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), over N650 million fraud.</h1>

The chieftains, Ayo Adeseun and Olarenwaju Otiti are standing trial alongside a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Jumoke Akinjide.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is prosecuting the defendants on an amended 24 counts charge bordering on the alleged offence.

Akinjide, Adeseun and Otiti are joined as first, second and third defendants respectively.

They had each pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bails.

Trial had since commenced in the suit, with witnesses being led in evidence.

On the last adjourned date of Feb. 6, counsel to the second and third defendants had both moved their different applications, before the court.

Defence’s motion prayed the judge recuses himself from the suit, premised on allegations of bias of having being a former head of legal in the EFCC.

Justice Hassan had then adjourned the case for ruling.

Delivering his ruling on Wednesday, the court highlighted all the arguments and counter arguments as canvassed by counsel to the defendants and prosecution, as well their respective submissions.

The court then held: “The only issues for determination is whether the applicants are entitled to the reliefs sought.

“It is not in dispute that “Judex” was former head of legal and prosecution of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

“The main issue in contention is can that be sufficient reason or proof of bias against the second and third defendants; these allegations raised are spurious and lacks any substance.

“What can be more spurious when second defendant attached his own record of proceedings against the court’s own record of proceedings.

“As rightly submitted by prosecution, at the time the defendants were investigated and subsequently charged before the Federal High Court in Ibadan, the trial judge had been appointed a judge already.

“I agree with learned counsel for the prosecution, that judges of superior courts of record, swear to oath of allegiance to be just and fair, and cannot be disqualified from presiding over cases by mere allegations that the judge once worked in an organisation.

“Learned counsel to the third defendant had filed a similar application for the transfer of the case to Ibadan.

“On 12 Dec, 2018, the court dismissed the application, only for counsel to turn around and raise allegations of bias.

“These applications are meant to harass, intimidate and blackmail the court; the court will not succumb to cheap blackmail,” he held

Citing a plethora of judicial and statutory authorities, the court held:

“Both applications are liable to be dismissed and they are accordingly dismissed; i make no order as to cost,”

Meanwhile, following a letter for adjournment written by the prosecution, the court adjourned the case until April 18 for continuation of trial.

The defendants were re-arraigned on Jan. 16, 2018, on the amended charge.

They were alleged to have received monies from a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, in the build-up to the 2015 General elections.

The money was said to be part of the 115 million dollars allegedly disbursed by Alison-Madueke, to influence the outcome of the 2015 presidential election.

Former Minister Jumoke Akinjide with her lawyers

The chieftains, Ayo Adeseun and Olarenwaju Otiti are standing trial alongside a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Jumoke Akinjide.

Judge refuses to withdraw from trial of Oyo PDP chieftains

EFCC had preferred was first arranged before Justice Muslim Hassan on Dec.18, 2018.

Also named in the charge, is the incumbent governor of Akwa Ibom, Gov.Emmanuel Udom, who is described in the charge as being “currently constitutionally immune from prosecution”

Others charged are: The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Finance, Nsikan Nkan; Accountant-General of Akwa Ibom State, Mfon Udomah; The Akwa Ibom State Attorney-General, Uwemedimo Nwoko and Margaret Ukpe.

The aforementioned defendants are said to be at large.

He had pleaded not guilty to the charges, but the case before Justice Hassan was subsequently transferred to another judge, Justice Chuka Obiozor, following application by defence counsel.

On Feb.14, Justice Obiozor in a ruling, had personally recused himself from the case on personal grounds, and said that the case file will be returned for re-assignment to another judge.

The case was re-assigned to Justice Rilwan Aikawa,, who is the third judge before whom the charge is presented.

On Friday, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo appeared for the EFCC while Mr Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN) appeared for the defendant.

The 10 count charge was read to Usoro and he also pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Defence counsel then made an application for the defendant to continue with the earlier bail granted by the previous judge, (Hassan)

This application was opposed by prosecution who argued that having applied that the case be transferred from Hassan, the defence cannot therefore, benefit from the bail granted by same judge.

He said that although he was not opposed to bail, the court should grant its own bail terms as the matter was commencing afresh before it.

After listening to respective submissions of counsel, Justice Aikawa,, held that it is the court’s view that bail is peripheral to a trial as it does not affect the substance of the trial, adding that the court has a discretion to depart from or adopt the earlier terms granted.

In view of the circumstances, the judge, held that the conditions imposed by his learned brother, Justice Hassan, be adopted.

The court admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N250million with one surety in like sum.

The court also ordered that the surety must be the owner of a landed property within the court jurisdiction, or a public servant not below the rank of a Director in the Federal or State civil service.

The court also ordered the surety must deposit titled document with the courts registry and also deposit his/her international passport with the courts registry.

The court held that the above terms are hereby adopted save to add that where the surety is a civil servant, his credentials must be verified by the courts registry.

The court also adopted the terms granted by Justice Hassan, and released Usoro to a Senior Advocate of Nigeria Mr Effiong B.Effiong, pending the perfection of his bail terms.

Meanwhile, Oyedepo then informed the court that he had an innocuous application to make, and urged the court to issue a bench warrant for the arrest and production in court of the persons mentioned in the body of the charge and who are described as being at large.

They include: Uwemedimo Nwoko, Margaret Ukpe, Linus Nsikan, and Mfot Udomah.

The court granted this application and ordered that bench warrant be issued against the named persons.

He adjourned the case until March 18 and 19 for trial.

NAN reports that in the charge marked FHC/418c/18, the anti-graft agency alleged that the accused committed the offence on May 14, 2016.

The commission alleged that Usoro, conspired with others, to commit the offence within the jurisdiction of the court.

He was alleged to have conspired to convert the sum of N1.4 billion, property of Akwa Ibom State Government, which sum they reasonably ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful activity.

The prosecution said that the unlawful activity include criminal breach of trust which contravenes the provisions of section 15 (2), 15(3), and 18 (A) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.

President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Paul Usoro

The EFCC on Friday re-arraigned the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) ,Paul Usoro, in a Federal High Court Lagos, on 10 counts of N1.4 billion fraud.

EFCC re-arraigns NBA president Paul Usoro, as court issues arrest warrant on 4 others

<h1>A Federal High Court Lagos, Thursday, called for oral evidences in a suit by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), seeking final forfeiture of about 8.4 million dollars, and N7.4 billion found in some accounts linked to former first Lady, Patience Jonathan.</h1>

Justice Mojisola Olatoregun in a judgment on the motion for final forfeiture of the sums, held that there were conflicting affidavit evidences, which can be best resolved if respective parties are called upon to give oral evidence.

It joined as respondents: Patience Jonathan, Globus Integrated Services Ltd, Finchley Top Homes Ltd., Am-Pm Global Network Ltd, Pagmat Oil and Gas Ltd and Magel Resort Ltd and Esther Oba.

On Oct. 29, 2018, EFCC counsel, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, had moved his motion for final forfeiture of the sums, urging that same be finally forfeited to the Federal Government.

Meanwhile, defence counsel, Messrs Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN), Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), and Mr Ige Asemudara had respectively moved their processes in opposition to the motion for final forfeiture.

Delivering judgment on Thursday, the judge first dismissed an application by counsel to the respondents, seeking to set aside the interim forfeiture orders made on April 20, 2018.

The court held that it was satisfied that the requirement for the grant of the interim orders was met by the EFCC, adding that it was clear that at the time the interim order was made, there was no pending suit elsewhere.

Meanwhile, giving its ratio on the motion for final forfeiture, the court held that it finds the affidavit evidences conflicting, adding that same can only be resolved if the parties concerned are called upon to give oral evidences.

The court asked if having regards to the provisions of sections 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, as well as the available facts before the court, the applicant has made out a case for final forfeiture of the sums.

“Parties are accordingly called upon to give oral testimonies in support of the case presented, ”

After the court’s pronouncement, it adjourned the case until March 14 and 15.

Patience Jonathan was Nigeria's First Lady from 2010 to 2015. She's now been accused of corruption to the tune of millions of dollars

Justice Mojisola Olatoregun in a judgment on the motion for final forfeiture of the sums, held that there were conflicting affidavit evidences, which can be best resolved if respective parties are called upon to give oral evidence.

Court orders for oral evidence in final forfeiture suit against Patience Jonathan

<h1>A Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday fixed Feb. 7 for continuation of trial of the immediate past Governor of Ekiti, Mr Ayodele Fayose, over alleged N6.9 billion fraud.</h1>

The case which was earlier fixed for today for continuation of cross examination of the fifth prosecution witness, has been shifted to Thursday.

On the next adjourned date, both the prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), and the defence counsel, Mr Olalekan Ojo (SAN), will address the court on the admissibility of an extra judicial statement made by a party who is not standing trial.

Fayose was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Oct. 22, 2018 alongside a company Spotless Investment Ltd on 11 counts.

He had pleaded not guilty to the charges and the court had granted him bail in the sum of N50 million with one surety in like sum.

EFCC had opened case for the prosecution on Nov. 19, 2018 and called four witnesses.

On Jan. 21, the prosecution called its fifth witness, Sen. Musliu Obanikoro, a former Minister of State for Defence.

At the last adjourned date on Feb. 5 (Tuesday), Obanikoro was still under cross examination by second defence counsel Ojo, who was expected to continue on the next date.

According to the charge, on June 17, 2014, Fayose and Agbele were said to have taken possession of the sum of N1.2 billion, for purposes of funding his gubernatorial election campaign in Ekiti, which sum they reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

Fayose was alleged to have received a cash payment of the sum of five million dollars, (about N1.8 billion) from Obanikoro, without going through any financial institution and which sum exceeded the amount allowed by law.

He was also alleged to have retained N300 million in his Zenith Bank account and took control of the aggregate sums of about N622 million which sum he ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

Fayose was alleged to have procured De Privateer Ltd and Still Earth Ltd, to retain in their Zenith and FCMB accounts, the aggregate sums of N851 million which they reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

Besides, the accused was alleged to have used the aggregate sum of about N1.6 billion to acquire properties in Lagos and Abuja, which sums he reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

The accused was also alleged to have used the sum of N200 million, to acquire a property in Abuja, in the name of his elder sister, Moji Oladeji, which sum he ought to know also forms crime proceeds.

The offences contravened Sections 15(1), 15 (2), 15 (3), 16(2)(b), 16 (d), and 18 (c) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011.

The case which was earlier fixed for today for continuation of cross examination of the fifth prosecution witness, has been shifted to Thursday.

Court to resume trial of Fayose on Feb. 7

<h1>The trial of President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Paul Usoro, over N1.4 billion fraud, could not proceed on Tuesday before Justice Muslim Hassan of Federal High Court Lagos, following the transfer of the case to a new judge, Prof. Chuka Obiozor.</h1>

Usoro is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 10-count charge bordering on fraud.

Also named in the charge, is the incumbent governor of Akwa Ibom, Gov. Emmanuel Udom, who is described in the charge as being “currently constitutionally immune from prosecution”.

Others charged are: the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Finance, Nsikan Nkan; Accountant-General of Akwa Ibom State, Mfon Udomah; the Akwa Ibom State Attorney-General, Uwemedimo Nwoko and Margaret Ukpe.

The defendants were said to be at large.

Usoro was charged on Dec. 18, 2018 before Justice Hassan, and his plea was taken.

Hassan had subsequently admitted him to bail in the sum of N250 million with one surety in like sum.

The court had then adjourned the case until Feb. 5, March 5, and March 6, for continuation of trial.

However, on Tuesday, when journalists approached the court for coverage of the trial, it was observed that the case was not on the cause list.

On enquiry, journalists were informed that the case had been transferred to Justice Obiozor by the Chief Judge, following application to that effect.

Meanwhile in Justice Obiozor’s Court, the case was also not itemised on the cause list, as the judge was said to be away on a workshop.

In the charge marked FHC/418c/18, the anti graft agency alleged that the accused committed the offence on May 14, 2016.

The commission alleged that Usoro conspired with others, to commit the offence within the jurisdiction of the court.

The prosecution said that the unlawful activity include criminal breach of trust which contravenes the provisions of section 15 (2), 15(3), and 18 (A) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.

Usoro is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 10-count charge bordering on fraud.

Alleged N1.4bn fraud: New judge to hear case against NBA President

<h1>A Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday struck out a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by alleged kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwamadike (a.k.a Evans), against the police over seizure of his property.</h1>

Justice Mojisola Olatoregun held that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the case.

She said that the suit ought to have been filed before a Lagos State High Court where the applicant was facing charges of kidnapping.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Evans, through his counsel, Mr Olukoya Ogungbeje, filed the suit in June 2018 and joined as respondents, the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), the Nigeria Police and I-G’s Intelligence Response Team.

The applicant prayed the court to declare that alleged forceful seizure of his property by the respondents without any court order was illegal and unconstitutional.

He listed some of the property as N500 million, another N500 million, two residential houses located at Magodo, Lagos State, a Brigade wristwatch worth 20,000 dollars, necklaces worth 25,000 dollars and five pieces of diamond rings.

Also listed are one Lexus 470, a Grand Cherokee, a Toyota Highlander, 85 Samsung television sets, 45KVA generator, 22KVA generator, 20KVA inverter worth N10 million and five set of freezers.

The applicant had sought an order compelling the respondents to unconditionally release the property.

Evans had also asked the court for an order compelling the respondents to unconditionally unseal and vacate without delay, the two residential houses located at Magodo.

The judge noted that the respondents did not file any defence in spite of being served hearing notices.

She, however, held that when confronted with a claim under the fundamental rights enforcement procedure, it would be important for the court to critically look at the reliefs sought.

According to her, the main issue to be decided is whether the plaintiff’s claim constitutes a violation of his rights under the Fundamental Human Rights (Enforcement Procedure), adding that the right to own a property cannot be denied except for due process of the law. .

She held that the applicant failed to show that the property were forcefully seized within the circumstances of his arrest.

“The only conclusion I can draw is that the property were taken consequent upon his trial for kidnapping before the Lagos State High Court.

According to the judge, although federal and state high courts have concurrent jurisdiction, the instant case ought to have been taken to the court where the defendant is facing trial for kidnapping.

“This court must be careful not to interfere with due process of the ongoing trial of the applicant before the Lagos State High Court.

“This court lacks the jurisdiction to entertain this case; same is hereby struck out,’’ she held.

NAN reports that other prayers sought by Evans include an order compelling the respondents to apologise to him and pay him N1 billion as damages for the alleged forceful seizure of his property.

He also sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents from taking any action against him or any of his property in relation to this case.

Notorious billionaire kidnapper, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans

Justice Mojisola Olatoregun held that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the case.

Court strikes out suspected kidnapper Evans’ N1bn suit against police

<h1>A Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday stood down for one hour, the fraud trial of the immediate past Governor of Ekiti, Ayodele Fayose, facing charges of N6.9 billion fraud.</h1>

A former Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, who is the fifth prosecution witness, was billed for cross examination on Monday.

He testified at the last adjourned date, on Jan. 21, saying that Fayose received five million dollars and some amounts of Naira from the impress account of a former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki, in June 2014.

Justice Mojisola Olatoregun handling the trial, rose shortly after the court began sitting to attend an official function.

She said that she would be back in an hour to continue with the case.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Fayose was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Oct. 22, 2018, alongside a company Spotless Investment Ltd., on 11 counts.

He, however, pleaded not guilty, and was granted bail in the sum of N50 million with one surety in like sum.

When the case was called on Monday, Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) announced appearance for EFCC, while Messrs Kanu Agabi (SAN) and Olalekan Ojo (SAN) appeared for the defendant.

A former Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, who is the fifth prosecution witness, was billed for cross examination on Monday.

Court stands down Fayose’s trial

<h1>Absence of Justice Muslim Hassan of a Federal High Court, Lagos, on Monday stalled the trial of a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Jumoke Akinjide, facing N650 million fraud charge.</h1>

Akinjide is standing trial alongside two chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Sen. Ayo Adeseun and Olanrewaju Otiti.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the accused on an amended 24-count charge bordering on fraud.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge, and were granted bail.

Hearing in the case could not proceed on Monday following the absence of the judge who is said to be on an official assignment.

The case was, therefore, adjourned until Feb. 6, for continuation of hearing.

At the last adjourned date, Nov. 12, 2018, the court dismissed an application by defence seeking transfer of the case to the Ibadan Division of the court.

Hassan held that the application lacked merit.

The accused were re-arraigned on Jan. 16, 2018, on the amended charge.

The EFCC alleged that they received money from a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, in the build-up to the 2015 general election.

The EFCC said that the money was part of the 115 million dollars allegedly disbursed by Alison-Madueke to influence the outcome of the 2015 presidential election.

Alleged N650m fraud: Judge’s absence stalls trial of ex-FCT  minister, Jumoke-Akinjide

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the accused on an amended 24-count charge bordering on fraud.

Alleged N650m fraud: Judge’s absence stalls trial of ex-FCT  minister

<h1>A Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday convicted two ex-officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Christian Nwosu and Tijani Bashir, charged with N264.8 million gratification and money laundering.</h1>

Justice Mohammed Idris who has been elevated to the Court of Appeal, but concluded the case on a fiat, convicted the ex-officials.

He, however, adjourned sentencing of the convicts until Friday to enable the Nwosu to appear in court.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecuted the ex-officials and one Yisa Adedoyin, who had already been convicted by the court after he pleaded guilty to the charge.

The EFCC said that the convicts accepted money from a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, in the build up to the 2015 general elections.