A Federal High Court in Abuja has discharged and acquitted a former Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita, in the alleged money laundering charges brought against her by the Federal Government. Justice James Omotosho freed her from the charges while delivering a ruling on the separate no-case submissions filed by Oyo-Ita and her co-defendants.
Six-Year Trial Concludes
Oyo-Ita, her Personal Assistant, Ubong Effiok, and seven others had been on trial for six years over alleged money laundering involving N570 million. The defendants pleaded not guilty and entered no-case submissions after the prosecution closed its case.
Court Ruling Details
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho stated that the case presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was built on speculations, suspicions, and shoddy investigation. He emphasized that crucial elements of money laundering offenses, such as establishing a predicate offense, were glaringly absent. The judge noted that Oyo-Ita was not a shareholder or director in the companies allegedly linked to her. He also pointed out that the monies allegedly given to her by prosecution witnesses were not proven to be proceeds of illegal activity.
Approved Contracts and Allowances
Justice Omotosho held that the contracts in question were duly approved and executed, as confirmed by witnesses. The estacodes, duty tour allowances, and air tickets paid for Oyo-Ita's benefit were also shown to have been properly approved, and she was not an approving authority. The court further noted that the allegation of failure to fully disclose assets was not thoroughly investigated, rendering the case doomed to fail.
Defendants Discharged and Acquitted
In his final analysis, Justice Omotosho upheld the no-case submissions, stating they were meritorious. He discharged and acquitted all nine defendants of the 18-count charge. The EFCC had filed the charge on February 28, 2020, against Oyo-Ita and others, including companies like Frontline Ace Global Services Ltd and Asanaya Projects Ltd.
Background of the Case
The defendants faced prosecution for alleged fraud involving duty tour allowances, estacodes, conference fees, and kickbacks on contracts totaling N570 million. In count one, Oyo-Ita was accused of collaborating with Frontline Ace Global Services Ltd to disguise the ownership of N20 million paid by the Federal Ministry of Power into the company's bank account. The offense was punishable under the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2004.
Oyo-Ita and her co-defendants initially pleaded not guilty before Justice Taiwo Taiwo (retired), and the case was later reassigned to Justice Omotosho after Justice Taiwo's retirement. The EFCC called eight witnesses and presented documentary evidence. After the prosecution closed its case, the defendants opted for no-case submissions.
Oyo-Ita's Dismissal
Oyo-Ita was dismissed by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari on September 18, 2019, following allegations of corruption. She was replaced by Mrs. Folashade Yemi-Esan, who was then Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
