Femi Fani-Kayode Under Pressure Again as EFCC Files Fresh Money Laundering Charge against him
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed an amended money laundering charge against a former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, at a Federal High Court in Lagos on January 27, 2014, Monday.
Mr.
Festus Keyamo, the Prosecutor, at the resumed hearing of the case
informed the court of the amended charge containing 40 counts and
applied that the plea of the accused be taken.
After
first count was read to the accused, his Counsel, Mr. Ifedayo Adedipe
(SAN), raised an objection that the charge was invalid and his client
could not plead to it.
Mr.
Adedipe argued that in accordance with the count’s statement, the
accused “accepted cash payments of over N10 million”, without stating
the donor of the said money.
He
said it was alleged throughout the charge that the accused “accepted
various sums of money”, without
mentioning the names of the persons from
whom they were received.
The counsel submitted that the charge was “invalid, persecutory and oppressive”.
In
response, the Prosecutor argued that the charge bordered on money
laundering in which monies involved had no source as opposed to
conversion or stealing where there was a particular source. He submitted
that he was prepared to file a written address on the issue.
Justice
Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, in a short ruling, said that both parties were
at liberty to either file written addresses or address the court orally
on the issue.
The case has been adjourned to February 3, 2014, for ruling.
It would be recalled that that Fani-Kayode was earlier re-arraigned on February 11, on an amended 47-count charge.
He had pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail.
In
the charge, the accused was alleged to have transacted with funds
exceeding N500,000 without going through a financial institution.
The
accused was also alleged to have accepted cash payments of about N100
million, while he served as Minister of Aviation and Minister of Culture
and Tourism respectively.
These offences were said to contravene the provisions of 2004 Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.
(NAN)
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READ MORE: http://news.naij.com/57722.html
