A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, discharged and acquitted former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Kabiru Turaki, of money laundering charge.
Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a ruling on the no-case submission filed by the defence, said the the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had failed to link Turaki and his co-defendants with the offences contained in the 16-count charge.
He said that the prosecution could not establish a prima facie case against them.
Justice Ekwo said that the defendants dislodged all the evidence of the prosecution witnesses called in the matter during cross examination, describing the 12 witnesses relied on by EFCC as “tainted witnesses.”
Read Also:EFCC arraigns UBA staff for stealing N452m from customers
The judge said that it was established during cross examination that Turaki was not a signatory to the account of the ministry and did not authorise any payment or make any transfer of funds.
He aligned with the argument that held the former minister was not a member of the Ministerial Tender Board and that there was no inflow of funds from the account of the ministry to Turaki’s company.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the EFCC had, in the 16-count charge, accused the ex-minister and others of unlawful and criminal misappropriation of N715 million.(NAN)
560460 872064Very informative post. Your current Site style is awesome as properly! 912836
770071 194077I came across this excellent from you out of sheer luck and never believe lucky enough to say also credit you for any job nicely done. 982356
312955 583086I enjoy what you guys are typically up too. This kind of clever work and reporting! Maintain up the quite great works guys Ive added you guys to blogroll. 436438