Money laundering: EFCC re-arraigns Ikuforiji, aide

[Mirror]

• Court grants them N1bn bail each

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday re-arraigned the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, and his personal assistant, Oyebode Atoyebi, for alleged involvement in money laundering to the tune of N338, 801, 442 before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos.

The matter came before the new trial judge, Justice Ibrahim Buba, after the retirement of the former judge handling the matter, Justice Okecukwu Okeke.

The accused persons were re-arraigned on an amended 54-count charge essentially comprising allegations of money laundering in contravention of the Sections 18 (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 and punishable under Section 16 (2) (b) of the same Act.

They both pleaded not guilty to the charge. After the re-arraignment, EFCC's lawyer, Mr. Godwin Obla, informed the court that he was ready for the trial. But, counsel to the Speaker, Mr. Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, however, told the court that he had pending bail application dated June 7, 2013, which he said he filed out of caution.

He further said that the Speaker had earlier been granted bail on self recognition by the former trial judge and that he had always been present in court. Oyetibo added that the Speaker's aide, Atoyebi, was granted bail, with the Clerk of the House standing as surety, stressing that he too had ever been present in court.

He consequently prayed the court to rule in line with the earlier bail terms. The Speaker's aide, Atoyebi's lawyer, Mr. Tunde Akinrimisi, toed the line of Oyetibo in his own prayers for bail.

The EFCC's lawyer, Obla, did not oppose the application. He said the commission is only interested in the bail conditions, stressing that he would leave that to the discretion of the court. Justice Buba, however, ruled that the case before him is a new one and that the court is not bound by the bail conditions granted by the former judge.

The judge then granted them bail in the sum of N1 billion each with two sureties who are to enter into bond of N5 million each.

The court further held that the sureties must swear to an affidavit of means, while the accused must swear to an undertaken that they would always be present in court. Justice Buba said; "They would not be remanded in prison custody if they are able to perfect the bail conditions within 48 hours.

But if they fail, a bench warrant will be issued against them." The court then adjourned the matter till September 25, 26 and 27, 2013 for trial. The two accused had earlier been arraigned on March 1, 2012 on a 20-count charge.

National Mirror

[Shola Sholaz]

Money laundering is something that is too rampant in Nigeria. It is a very sad one I must confess. That has to stop...