An Abuja federal high court has
discharged and acquitted Robert Azibaola, a cousin of ex-President Goodluck
Jonathan, of the $40 million laundering charges filed against him by the
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Azibaola was charged alongside
Stella, his wife, and their company, One Plus Holdings Nigeria Limited for the
alleged diversion of $40 million meant for the supply of tactical communication
kits for special forces.
The money was allegedly
transferred from the account of the office of Sambo Dasuki, former national
security adviser (NSA) with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to the
domiciliary account of their company.
Delivering judgement on Monday,
Nnamdi Dimgba, the judge, ruled that no credible evidence was given to
establish the allegation of money laundering against Azibaola.
He noted that the prosecutor
should have produced Dasuki as a witness.
“That the EFCC and the prosecutor
cried more than the bereaved,” the judge held.
“That the prosecutor has not been
able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt the 2-count charge against the
defendant.
“The defendant is hereby
discharged and acquainted and not guilty.”
During the trial, the anti-graft
agency had called 10 witnesses and tendered 27 documents before the court,
after which it closed its case on January 23.
Chris Uche, counsel to Azibaola,
then filed a no-case submission to dismiss the charge against his clients.
Uche said the prosecution had
failed to establish a nexus between the defendant and the alleged offence.
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