Money Laundering: EFCC Re-arraigns Fani-Kayode

A Former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, was Monday morning re-arraigned before a Federal High court in Lagos, southwest Nigeria, for alleged money laundering offences.

The re-arraignment became necessary because the judge who was initially trying the case, Justice Binta Murtala Nyako has been transferred to Makurdi Division of the Federal High court.

Consequently, the new judge, Justice Ofili Ajumoghobia, has taken over the case.

In the 47-count charge, Mr Fani-Kayode, between November 2006 and January 2007, while serving as minister of Aviation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, was alleged to have made some financial transactions exceeding N500,000 which was not done through a financial institution by accepting tax payment of N10 million, which sum was further carried in cash to First Inland Bank, Apapa branch, through one Mark Saviour Ndifreke, his own associate now at large, and put it in an investment account in his favour for 90 days.

Other various sums of money amounting to about N180 million was also allegedly paid into his account in cash through two other people, Supo Agbaje, his administrative staff, and his wife, Regina Fani-Kayode (now at large).

The accused former minister, pleaded not guilty to all the 47-count charge.

Consequently, his lawyer, Ladi Williams, leading three other lawyers and Senor Advocates of Nigeria, Wale Babalakin, Wale Akoni and Ifedapo Adedipe urged the court to allow Mr Fani-Kayode continue on his former bail granted to him.

The EFCC prosecuting counsel, Nelson Okedinachi, did not oppose, but asked for a trial date.

Consequently, with the agreement of both parties, the matter was adjourned till 11 March for trial.