By TAIYE AGBAJE
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 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.”
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)
About the Author
I and my friends ended up reading through the good ideas found on your website while immediately got a horrible feeling I never expressed respect to the web site owner for those strategies. All the people were definitely as a consequence warmed to study them and have in effect truly been taking pleasure in those things. Appreciation for turning out to be simply helpful and also for finding such perfect things most people are really needing to be informed on. My very own sincere apologies for not saying thanks to you earlier.
I was recommended this web site by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my problem. You’re amazing! Thanks!
Hello just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you know a few of the images aren’t loading properly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different browsers and both show the same results.
I like what you guys are up also. Such clever work and reporting! Carry on the superb works guys I¦ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my web site 🙂