A Federal High Court in Lagos has discharged and acquitted a former Senior Special Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan on Domestic Affairs, Waripamo-Owei Dudafa, and a banker, Joseph Iwuejo, in a 22-count N1.6 billion fraud matter against them by the EFCC.
The court, in a judgment by Justice Mohammed Idris, said he could not convict them because the EFCC failed to prove the charges against them beyond reasonable doubts.
The judge held that the EFCC failed to call key witnesses, including the former president, one Somprei Omeibi, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor and ex-National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, who were essential to the proving of the case.
Justice Idris said the case of the EFCC was built on suspicion counseling that no conviction can be made no matter how strong solely on suspicion.
He held that the EFCC did not conclude an investigation before rushing to the court, thereby living loopholes.
The EFCC has vowed to appeal the judgment saying in a statement it was studying the details of the judgment and will approach the appeal court for a review.
The defendants were charged for money laundering, conspiracy and concealment to the tune of N1.6bn.
The EFCC said the defendants allegedly conspired and laundered the fund through the accounts of A.B. Wise Resources Limited, Seagate Property Development and Investment Limited, Avalon Global Property Development Company Limited, Rotato Interlink Service Limited, Pluto Property and Services Limited and De-jakes fast food and Restaurant Limited.
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