SARAKI’S DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF REMANDED IN PRISON OVER ALLEGED N3.5BILLION FRAUD
The Commission said the operation Manager of Melrose General Services, Amobi who is the third accused, between December 15 and 17, 2016, made a cash payment of N300 million to Mbonu from the said N3.5 billion, without going through a financial institution.
Penpushing further reports that, the commission also accused Messrs Makanjuola and Shittu of making cash payments, in December 2016, totaling $1.5 million of $500, 000 in three tranches, between themselves without going through a financial institution.
The Prosecutor said, the offences are contrary to 18, 15(2)(d), 15(2)(b) 1(a) and 16(2)(b) of Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, and punishable under Sections 15(3) and 16 (2)(b) of the same act.
Penpushing reports that, following their arraignment, the prosecutor asked that the defendants be remanded in prison while also seeking for a trial date, but the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges
However, Makanjuola’s lawyer, Paul Erokoro, while responding, drew the court’s attention to his client’s bail application, adding that the application has been served on the prosecution and sought the court’s permission to move it.
Penpushing reports that, in similar manner, Omeoga Chukwu who is counsel to Amobi requested for bail application for his client. The court granted the two lawyers the permission to move their bail applications.
In his argument, Erokoro pleaded with the court that his client was a former member of the House of Representatives and as such he is prepared to face his trial,while Chukwu also pleaded with the court to admit his client to bail on liberal terms.
In his plea, Erokoro said,“my client is a full-time staff at the Senate and is not a flight risk. He was a member of the House of Representatives. I urge the court to grant him bail to prepare for his trial”.
Penpushing reports that, the commission’s lawyer, Iheanacho,in his argument urged the court to dismiss the applications saying the defendants constitute a flight risk.“One of the defendants has absconded. The chances that the other defendants will abscond are now higher with their arraignment. We urge the court to refuse the defence’s requests”, he said.
Penpushing reports further that, the judge after listening to the submissions of parties in the matter, adjourned till October 9 for ruling on the bail applications.
