The Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday refused to order the
forfeiture of $15.5million found in the accounts of companies belonging
to a former Special Adviser on Domestic Affairs to ex-President Goodluck
Jonathan, Waripamo Dudafa.
Justice Babs Kuewumi convicted the companies after a review of the facts
of the case by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFFC)
lawyer Mr Oyedepo Rotimi.
The companies, on September 15, pleaded guilty to laundering $15,591,700
(about N5billion) when they were arraigned.Following the companies’
conviction, Rotimi prayed the court to order the forfeiture of the money
to the Federal Government.
But, the judge said he would hand down a sentence on the companies after
the trial of the others who pleaded not guilty in the charge.
Justice Kuewumi said:
“The ownership issue is still pending. There’s also a pending suit on the matter.”
Former President Goodluck Jonathan’s wife, Patience, is claiming the monies in the companies’ accounts as hers.
Justice Kuewumi adjourned until December 14 for trial.
The Nation
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