How’ll trial of Saraki, Dasuki, judges, others end

The courts are expected to be busy this year. In his New
Year’s speech, President Muhammadu Buhari restated his
administration’s commitment to fight corruption. Several
high-profile cases are in court. Will they be concluded this year?
ERIC IKHILAE, ADEBISI ONANUGA, JOSEPH JIBUEZE and ROBERT EGBE
highlight some of the cases which are of public interest.

FOR the courts, 2016 ended on
a busy note. There was a deluge of high-profile criminal cases
because of the Federal Government’s resolve to prosecute suspected
corrupt public officers. Hearing in the cases continues this year.
How will they end?

In his New Year’s speech, President Muhammadu Buhari vowed not
to relent in his fight against corruption.

He said: “Our determination to wrestle corruption to the ground
remains unshaken. This fight, which will be guided by respect for
the rule of law and due process, will not spare anybody or organ of
government.

“It is a collective undertaking and resolve that must be seen to
its logical conclusion in spite of certain distractions. The fate
of our country lies partly in the success of this campaign. It will
be unthinkable on my part to allow the boat of this crucial
campaign promise to capsize mid-stream.”

Some of the impending cases are:

Saraki’s trial at CCT

The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) will resume proceedings in
the trial of Senate President, Bukola Saraki on January 11. He is
facing a 13-count charge of false assets declaration. The case has
witnessed  various delays since the office of the
Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) filed the charge on
September 14, 2015.

Though Saraki took his plea on September 22, 2015, the
prosecution has been unable to move beyond calling its first
witness. After months of delays, with Saraki challenging almost
every step taken by the tribunal, its jurisdiction and the
composition, trial eventually commenced last April 5 with the
prosecution calling its first witness, Michael Wetkas.

The prosecution wasted no time as Wetkas concluded his
evidence-in-chief on April 18 (within three adjournments). But it
took the defence 14 adjournments, spanning over seven months to
cross-examine the first prosecution witness.

The defence team, comprising of senior lawyers like Kanu Agabi
(SAN), Joseph Daudu (SAN), Paul Erokoro (SAN), Paul Usoro (SAN),
Mahmud Magaji (SAN), among others, cross-examined Wetkas between
April 18 and November 8, last year.

When the defence announced its conclusion of what the
prosecution counsel Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) described as the longest
cross-examination in the history of the nation’s criminal
jurisprudence, the tribunal also stunned all when it adjourned
further proceedings from November 8 to January 11.

Judges in the dock

Legal fireworks are expected to commence when proceedings open
early this year in the cases involving Justice Sylvester Ngwuta (of
the Supreme Court), Justice Adeniyi Ademola (of the Federal High
Court) and his wife, Olabolwale

Justice Ngwuta was arraigned before Justice John Tsoho of the
Federal High Court, Abuja on November 21 on a 16-count charge
bordering on allegations of corrupt enrichment, violations of money
laundering laws, passport fraud and attempt to obstruct justice.
The prosecution is expected to open its case on January 18.

Justice Ademola and his wife, Olabowale were arraigned last
December 13 before Justice Jude Okeke of the High Court of the
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama on an 11-count charge of
conspiracy and receipt of gratification. The case has been
adjourned to January 18 for the commencement of trial.

Dasuki and others

Former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki, is
currently facing three charges. In the first case, he is charged
with money laundering and illegal possession of firearms. The
former NSA was arraigned on the charge before Justice Adeniyi
Ademola of the Federal High Court, Abuja on September 1, 2015.

Proceedings in the case is expected to commence afresh before
another judge at the resumption of the Federal High Court this
month. This is because Justice Ademola is being tried for alleged
corrupt practices.

In another charge, Dasuki was arraigned with ex-Minister of
State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda, a former Director of Finance at
the office of the NSA, Shuaibu Salisu, a former governor of Sokoto
state, Attahiru Bafarawa, his son, Sagir Bafarawa and their
company, Dalhatu Investment Limited for allegedly stealing about
N9.2billion from the office of the NSA.

Both charges are now pending before Justice Hussein Baba Yusuf
of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The
prosecution is expected to open its case when proceedings resumes
on January 25.

 Oronsaye and others

The former Head of Service of the Federation (HOS), Stephen
Oransanye is being tried in two separate courts on two charges. He
is standing trial alone before Justice Olasumbo Goodlcuk of the
High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He was arraigned
on March 15, 2016.

Oronsaye, who was the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on
Financial Action Task Force (PCFATF) under President Goodluck
Jonathan, is among others charged with criminal breach of trust for
allegedly converting about N382.9million belonging to the PCFATF to
his personal use while he headed it between 2013 and 2015.

He is expected to open his defence or make a no-case submission
when proceedings resume mid-January.

 Metuh

The former spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),
Olisa Metuh is facing trial in two courts. He is being tried with
his company, Destra Investments Ltd, before Justice Okon Abang of
the Federal High Court, Abuja on a seven-count charge marked:
FHC/ABJ/CR/05/2016

They were charged with breach of trust, corruption and money
laundering, offences contrary to section 15(2)(d) of the Money
Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as amended in 2012) and
punishable under section 15(3) of the same Act.

They were arraigned last January 15. He is expected to continue
with his defence when proceedings resume before Justice Abang early
this year.

Badeh and his predecessor

Former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Alex Badeh is standing
trial with a firm, Iyalikam Nigeria Limited on a 10-count charge
marked: marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/46/2016, before Justice Okon Abang of
the Federal High Court, Abuja

They are charged with breach of trust and corruption. Badeh was
said to have committed the offences while serving as the Chief of
Air Staff in 2013.

There is also the case involving Badeh’s predecessor, Air Chief
Marshal Mohammed Diko Umar (rtd), who is being tried on a
seven-count charge of corruption involving about N7.382billion. It
alleged that Umar removed the money from the account of the
Nigerian Air Force while he was the Chief of Air Staff.

 Ex-governors

Former Adamawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako is standing trial
with his son, Senator Abdulaziz Nyako, two of his ex-aides,
Abubakar Aliyu and Zulkifikk Abba; and five companies – Blue Opal
Nigeria Limited, Serore Farms & Extension Limited, Pagoda
Fortunes Limited, Towers Assets Management Limited and Crust Energy
Limited.

They were arraigned on July 8, 2015 on a 37-count charge marked:
FHC/ABJ/CR/293/2015, before Justice Evoh Chukwu of the Federal High
Court, Abuja, on a 37- count charge bordering on criminal
conspiracy, stealing, abuse of office and money laundering.

The case has since been reassigned to Justice Okon Abang with
the death in mid-2016 of Justice Chukwu. Trial has started before
the judge, with the prosecution calling a number of witnesses.

Former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, is being tried on a
27-count charge of money laundering, abuse of public office and
receiving N1.35 billion kick-back from a government contractor. The
money was allegedly paid into accounts controlled by the governor
and his sons

Trial had progressed before Justice Adeniyi Ademola until the
judge’s arrest and consequent prosecution. The case is expected to
be assigned to another judge.

The trial of former Plateau State Governor, Joshua Dariye will
resume before Justice Olubukola Banjoko of the Federal Capital
Territory (FCT) High Court in Gudu this month. He is expected to
continue with his defence.

Trial is expected to resume in the case involving former Benue
State governor, Gabriel Suswam and the state’s ex-Finance
Commissioner, Omodachi Okolobia after some delays. They were
arraigned before Justice Ahmed Ramat Mohammed of Federal High
Court, Abuja on November 10, 2015 on charges of money laundering
and breach of trust.

Former Governor of Taraba State, Reverend Jolly Nyame is
expected to open his defence at the resumption of the court in
January. He is being tried before Justice Bukola Banjoko of the
High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Gudu.

Nyame is charged with “criminal breach of trust,” punishable
under Section 315 315 of the Penal Code Act Cap 532 Laws of the
Federation of Nigeria 1990 and “mmisappropriation of public funds,”
punishable under Section 309 of the Penal Code.

Trial is expected to commence afresh before a new judge when the
Federal High Court resumes business in January in the case
involving former Imo State Governor, Ikedi Ohakim.

He is to open his defence before Justice Adeniyi Ademola when
the judge was arrested and is currently being prosecuted for
corruption related offences.

Ohakim was arraigned on July 8, 2015 on a three-count charge, to
which he pleaded not guilty. He is accused of making a cash payment
to the tune of $2, 290,000.00 (about N270,000,-000.00) , for the
purchase of a property at Plot No. 1098 Cadastral Zone A04, Asokoro
District, otherwise known as No.60, Kwame Nkurumah Street, Asokoro,
Abuja.

The amount is above the threshold approved for an individual
going by the provisions of Section 1 of the Money Laundering
(Prohibition) Act 2004.

Kalu

The EFCC re-arraigned former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu
at the Federal High Court in Lagos along with Udeh Udeogu and Slok
Nigeria Limited on 34 counts of diverting N3.2billion Abia funds.
They were first re-arraigned on September 27 before Justice Anwuri
Chikere of the court’s Abuja division after the case got to the
Supreme Court on interlocutory appeal following Kalu’s first
arraignment in 2007. Kalu and his co-accused allegedly diverted
about N3.2billion from the Abia’s treasury while he was the
governor.

The trial will resume on March 6 before Justice Idris.

Ladoja

Eight years after he was first arraigned, former Oyo State
Governor Rashidi Ladoja, was re-arraigned at the Federal High Court
in Lagos for allegedly converting N4.7billion from the state
treasury to his personal use. The EFCC charged him along with
Waheed Akanbi before Justice Mohammed Idris on eight counts of
money laundering and unlawful conversion of public funds.

 Ex-ministers

Former Minister of Interior, Abba Patrick Moro and others are
being tried on an 11-count charge before Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of
the Fedeeral High Court, Abuja. They are being prosecuted in
respect of the botched March 15, 2014 National Immigration Services
(NIS) recruitment exercise, were charged with obtaining money by
false pretences, procurement fraud and money laundering.

They are accused of defrauding 675, 675 graduate applicants of
about N675,675,000 having been made to pay N1000 each as processing
fees for 5,000 (five thousand) job openings.

The prosecution is expected to continue its case when the court
resumes in January.

The prosecution is also expected to call more witnesses in the
trial of former Defence Minister and Chairman, Board of Trustees,
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Haliru Mohamed Bello was arraigned
with his son, Abba and a company, Bam Projects and Properties.

They were arraigned on January 5, 2016 on a four-count charge of
money laundering before Justice Ahmed Ramat Mohammed of the Federal
High Court, Abuja.

Bello, his son and BAM are, in the charge marked:
FHC/ABJ/CR/389/2015ý, accused of receiving N300m from the office of
the National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Mohammed Dasuki on March
17, 2015 for political campaign under pretext that it was meant for
a housing project named “Safe Houses”.

Patience Jonathan

Wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Dame Patience, has
claimed the money in the companies’ accounts is hers. She is
praying the court to unfreeze the accounts to enable her have
access to her funds. The case comes up before Mohammed Idris on
January 18.

In late November, other accounts belonging to her, with about
N9billion, were frozen by Justice Mojisola Olatoregun-Ishola. The
case is also expected to make headlines this year.

A case that will also attract attention when a date is fixed for
hearing is the one filed by the first lady’s supporters against the
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) on her
alleged $15million.

The suit was filed at the Federal High Court by the Union of
Niger Delta Youth Organisation for Equity, Justice and Good
Governance, which sued for themselves and on behalf of Mrs
Jonathan.

The plaintiffs claimed that the organisation is using online,
print and electronic media to publish unfounded and malicious
allegations that she allegedly stole $15m (US) and ought to be
prosecuted.

SERAP’s suit on budget

padding

The suit filed by SERAP asking the court to compel EFCC to
investigate and prosecute the Speaker of the House of
Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and others over budget padding, will
generate public concern when hearing commences in the matter in the
new year.

Fani-Kayode/Nenadi Usman

Trial of former Aviation Minister Chief Femi Fani-Kayode and
former Minister of State for Finance  Senator Nenadi Usman
will resume on January 16 before Justice Muslim Hassan of the
Federal High Court in Lagos. They were arraigned by the EFCC on a
17-count charge of laundering about N4.6billion. They pleaded not
guilty.

Ex-NIMASA chiefs

Four former Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency
(NIMASA) workers were charged for corruption-related offences. One
of them, Temisan Omatseye, was convicted for contract splitting and
is on appeal after being granted a post-conviction bail. His appeal
will come up for hearing this year.

The trial of another former NIMASA Director-General Patrick
Akpobolokemi, who is facing over five separate fraud and theft
charges both at the Federal High Court and Lagos State High court,
is expected to be concluded this year.

Tompolo

A former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo (aka
Tompolo) was arraigned in absentia in no fewer than two charges
along with Akpobolokemi.

EFCC, on March 22, arraigned Tompolo in absentia over N34billion
fraud after he failed to turn up despite being declared wanted. He
was said to be “at large”. EFCC, in the 40-count charge before
Justice Ibrahim Buba, said they allegedly diverted N34 billion for
personal use, adding that the money accrued from the public private
partnership agreement between NIMASA and Global West Vessel
Specialist, said to be owned by Tompolo.  Other charges of
stealing, advanced fee fraud and money laundering involving about
N22.7billion are still pending against Tompolo before Justice
Buba.

The case will come up on Junuary 30 before Justice Buba.

Adegboruwa

The EFCC arraigned activist-lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa at the
Federal High Court for allegedly dealing in a seized property. The
commission said Adegboruwa and Jonathan Udeagbala, said to be at
large, allegedly conspired on August 13, 2013 to lease a property
at House 105, NICON Town Estate, Lekki, which EFCC said was a
“subject of interim orders of attachment made by Justice
Christopher Balogun of the Lagos State High Court” on June 18,
2012. But, On September 22, Justice Ayisat Opesanwo of the Lagos
State High Court vacated the interim order of forfeiture.

The case is adjourned to January 31.

Amosu

The EFCC arraigned a former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal
Adesola Amosu (rtd) on June 29 along with a former Chief of
Accounts and Budgeting at the Nigeria Air Force, Air Vice Marshal
Jacob Adigun and a former Director of Finance and Budget Air
Commodore Olugbenga Gbadebo at the Federal High Court in Lagos.
EFCC accused them and some companies of converting N21billion from
the Nigeria Air Force on March 5, 2014 in Lagos. They pleaded not
guilty. The trial will resume on January 25.

Dudafa

The trial of a former Special Adviser on Domestic Affairs to
ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Waripamo Dudafa, will resume before
Justice Babs Kuewumi on January 23. He was arraigned at the Federal
High Court in Lagos for alleged money laundering. He is facing two
separate charges. In the case before Justice Kuewumi, he was
arraigned with some companies, which pleaded guilty on September 15
to laundering $15,591,700 (about N5billion).

NAMA MD

Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) Managing
Director/Chief Executive Ibrahim Abdulsalam was arraigned at the
Federal High Court in Lagos on April 7 for allegedly stealing
N2.8billion. He was arraigned along with Nnamdi Udoh (said to be at
large), Adegorite Olumuyiwa, Agbolade Segun, Clara Aliche, Joy
Ayodele Adegorite, Randville Invesment Ltd and Multeng Travels and
Tours Ltd on 21-count charge. They pleaded not guilty.

Titi Abubakar

Also in the news was the case by EFCC on how Mrs Aminat Titi
Abubakar, wife of former Nigeria’s Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku
Abubakar was defrauded of N918 million by some business partners
including a former governorship aspirant in Akwa Ibom State,
Nsikakabasi Akpan Jacobs before a Lagos High Court sitting in
Ikeja. The EFCC arraigned Jacobs, Abdulmalik Ibrahim and Dana
Motors on a 15-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and fraudulent
conversion of properties belong to THA Shipping Maritime Services
Limited, a firm in which she had vested interest.

Fred Ajudua

The trial of a Lagos socialite and lawyer, Fred Ajudua who
allegedly duped former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-General Ishaya
Bamaiyi right inside Kirikiri Prisons made headlines
throughout  the year and will continue to make headlines next
year. Ajudua is scheduled to be re-arraigned for allegedly
defrauding General Bamaiyi of $1 million. He is to face a fresh
28-count charge before the court presided by Justice Josephine
Oyefeso.

Rickey Tarfa

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr Rickey Tarfa, was
arraigned for alleged obstruction of justice. The EFCC said he
prevented the arrest of his clients who are suspects in another
matter. He was also accused of bribing a judge, an allegation he
denied.

Ofili-Ajumogobia/Obla

The trial of Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High
Court will resume on January 9.  The EFCC accused her of
collecting N5million gratification from a Senior Advocate of
Nigeria (SAN), Chief Godwin Obla.

She and Obla were arraigned on a 30-count charge at the Lagos
High Court for allegedly conspiring to pervert the course of
justice last May 21. EFCC said Obla transferred N5million to Nigel
& Colive Ltd, a company the judge is a sole signatory to. The
judge and Obla pleaded not guilty.

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The courts are expected to be busy this year. In his New
Year’s speech, President Muhammadu Buhari restated his
administration’s commitment to fight corruption. Several
high-profile cases are in court. Will they be concluded this year?
ERIC IKHILAE, ADEBISI ONANUGA, JOSEPH JIBUEZE and ROBERT EGBE
highlight some of the cases which are of public interest.

FOR the courts, 2016 ended on
a busy note. There was a deluge of high-profile criminal cases
because of the Federal Government’s resolve to prosecute suspected
corrupt public officers. Hearing in the cases continues this year.
How will they end?

In his New Year’s speech, President Muhammadu Buhari vowed not
to relent in his fight against corruption.

He said: “Our determination to wrestle corruption to the ground
remains unshaken. This fight, which will be guided by respect for
the rule of law and due process, will not spare anybody or organ of
government.

“It is a collective undertaking and resolve that must be seen to
its logical conclusion in spite of certain distractions. The fate
of our country lies partly in the success of this campaign. It will
be unthinkable on my part to allow the boat of this crucial
campaign promise to capsize mid-stream.”

Some of the impending cases are:

Saraki’s trial at CCT

The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) will resume proceedings in
the trial of Senate President, Bukola Saraki on January 11. He is
facing a 13-count charge of false assets declaration. The case has
witnessed  various delays since the office of the
Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) filed the charge on
September 14, 2015.

Though Saraki took his plea on September 22, 2015, the
prosecution has been unable to move beyond calling its first
witness. After months of delays, with Saraki challenging almost
every step taken by the tribunal, its jurisdiction and the
composition, trial eventually commenced last April 5 with the
prosecution calling its first witness, Michael Wetkas.

The prosecution wasted no time as Wetkas concluded his
evidence-in-chief on April 18 (within three adjournments). But it
took the defence 14 adjournments, spanning over seven months to
cross-examine the first prosecution witness.

The defence team, comprising of senior lawyers like Kanu Agabi
(SAN), Joseph Daudu (SAN), Paul Erokoro (SAN), Paul Usoro (SAN),
Mahmud Magaji (SAN), among others, cross-examined Wetkas between
April 18 and November 8, last year.

When the defence announced its conclusion of what the
prosecution counsel Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) described as the longest
cross-examination in the history of the nation’s criminal
jurisprudence, the tribunal also stunned all when it adjourned
further proceedings from November 8 to January 11.

Judges in the dock

Legal fireworks are expected to commence when proceedings open
early this year in the cases involving Justice Sylvester Ngwuta (of
the Supreme Court), Justice Adeniyi Ademola (of the Federal High
Court) and his wife, Olabolwale

Justice Ngwuta was arraigned before Justice John Tsoho of the
Federal High Court, Abuja on November 21 on a 16-count charge
bordering on allegations of corrupt enrichment, violations of money
laundering laws, passport fraud and attempt to obstruct justice.
The prosecution is expected to open its case on January 18.

Justice Ademola and his wife, Olabowale were arraigned last
December 13 before Justice Jude Okeke of the High Court of the
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama on an 11-count charge of
conspiracy and receipt of gratification. The case has been
adjourned to January 18 for the commencement of trial.

Dasuki and others

Former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki, is
currently facing three charges. In the first case, he is charged
with money laundering and illegal possession of firearms. The
former NSA was arraigned on the charge before Justice Adeniyi
Ademola of the Federal High Court, Abuja on September 1, 2015.

Proceedings in the case is expected to commence afresh before
another judge at the resumption of the Federal High Court this
month. This is because Justice Ademola is being tried for alleged
corrupt practices.

In another charge, Dasuki was arraigned with ex-Minister of
State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda, a former Director of Finance at
the office of the NSA, Shuaibu Salisu, a former governor of Sokoto
state, Attahiru Bafarawa, his son, Sagir Bafarawa and their
company, Dalhatu Investment Limited for allegedly stealing about
N9.2billion from the office of the NSA.

Both charges are now pending before Justice Hussein Baba Yusuf
of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The
prosecution is expected to open its case when proceedings resumes
on January 25.

 Oronsaye and others

The former Head of Service of the Federation (HOS), Stephen
Oransanye is being tried in two separate courts on two charges. He
is standing trial alone before Justice Olasumbo Goodlcuk of the
High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He was arraigned
on March 15, 2016.

Oronsaye, who was the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on
Financial Action Task Force (PCFATF) under President Goodluck
Jonathan, is among others charged with criminal breach of trust for
allegedly converting about N382.9million belonging to the PCFATF to
his personal use while he headed it between 2013 and 2015.

He is expected to open his defence or make a no-case submission
when proceedings resume mid-January.

 Metuh

The former spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),
Olisa Metuh is facing trial in two courts. He is being tried with
his company, Destra Investments Ltd, before Justice Okon Abang of
the Federal High Court, Abuja on a seven-count charge marked:
FHC/ABJ/CR/05/2016

They were charged with breach of trust, corruption and money
laundering, offences contrary to section 15(2)(d) of the Money
Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as amended in 2012) and
punishable under section 15(3) of the same Act.

They were arraigned last January 15. He is expected to continue
with his defence when proceedings resume before Justice Abang early
this year.

Badeh and his predecessor

Former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Alex Badeh is standing
trial with a firm, Iyalikam Nigeria Limited on a 10-count charge
marked: marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/46/2016, before Justice Okon Abang of
the Federal High Court, Abuja

They are charged with breach of trust and corruption. Badeh was
said to have committed the offences while serving as the Chief of
Air Staff in 2013.

There is also the case involving Badeh’s predecessor, Air Chief
Marshal Mohammed Diko Umar (rtd), who is being tried on a
seven-count charge of corruption involving about N7.382billion. It
alleged that Umar removed the money from the account of the
Nigerian Air Force while he was the Chief of Air Staff.

 Ex-governors

Former Adamawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako is standing trial
with his son, Senator Abdulaziz Nyako, two of his ex-aides,
Abubakar Aliyu and Zulkifikk Abba; and five companies – Blue Opal
Nigeria Limited, Serore Farms & Extension Limited, Pagoda
Fortunes Limited, Towers Assets Management Limited and Crust Energy
Limited.

They were arraigned on July 8, 2015 on a 37-count charge marked:
FHC/ABJ/CR/293/2015, before Justice Evoh Chukwu of the Federal High
Court, Abuja, on a 37- count charge bordering on criminal
conspiracy, stealing, abuse of office and money laundering.

The case has since been reassigned to Justice Okon Abang with
the death in mid-2016 of Justice Chukwu. Trial has started before
the judge, with the prosecution calling a number of witnesses.

Former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, is being tried on a
27-count charge of money laundering, abuse of public office and
receiving N1.35 billion kick-back from a government contractor. The
money was allegedly paid into accounts controlled by the governor
and his sons

Trial had progressed before Justice Adeniyi Ademola until the
judge’s arrest and consequent prosecution. The case is expected to
be assigned to another judge.

The trial of former Plateau State Governor, Joshua Dariye will
resume before Justice Olubukola Banjoko of the Federal Capital
Territory (FCT) High Court in Gudu this month. He is expected to
continue with his defence.

Trial is expected to resume in the case involving former Benue
State governor, Gabriel Suswam and the state’s ex-Finance
Commissioner, Omodachi Okolobia after some delays. They were
arraigned before Justice Ahmed Ramat Mohammed of Federal High
Court, Abuja on November 10, 2015 on charges of money laundering
and breach of trust.

Former Governor of Taraba State, Reverend Jolly Nyame is
expected to open his defence at the resumption of the court in
January. He is being tried before Justice Bukola Banjoko of the
High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Gudu.

Nyame is charged with “criminal breach of trust,” punishable
under Section 315 315 of the Penal Code Act Cap 532 Laws of the
Federation of Nigeria 1990 and “mmisappropriation of public funds,”
punishable under Section 309 of the Penal Code.

Trial is expected to commence afresh before a new judge when the
Federal High Court resumes business in January in the case
involving former Imo State Governor, Ikedi Ohakim.

He is to open his defence before Justice Adeniyi Ademola when
the judge was arrested and is currently being prosecuted for
corruption related offences.

Ohakim was arraigned on July 8, 2015 on a three-count charge, to
which he pleaded not guilty. He is accused of making a cash payment
to the tune of $2, 290,000.00 (about N270,000,-000.00) , for the
purchase of a property at Plot No. 1098 Cadastral Zone A04, Asokoro
District, otherwise known as No.60, Kwame Nkurumah Street, Asokoro,
Abuja.

The amount is above the threshold approved for an individual
going by the provisions of Section 1 of the Money Laundering
(Prohibition) Act 2004.

Kalu

The EFCC re-arraigned former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu
at the Federal High Court in Lagos along with Udeh Udeogu and Slok
Nigeria Limited on 34 counts of diverting N3.2billion Abia funds.
They were first re-arraigned on September 27 before Justice Anwuri
Chikere of the court’s Abuja division after the case got to the
Supreme Court on interlocutory appeal following Kalu’s first
arraignment in 2007. Kalu and his co-accused allegedly diverted
about N3.2billion from the Abia’s treasury while he was the
governor.

The trial will resume on March 6 before Justice Idris.

Ladoja

Eight years after he was first arraigned, former Oyo State
Governor Rashidi Ladoja, was re-arraigned at the Federal High Court
in Lagos for allegedly converting N4.7billion from the state
treasury to his personal use. The EFCC charged him along with
Waheed Akanbi before Justice Mohammed Idris on eight counts of
money laundering and unlawful conversion of public funds.

 Ex-ministers

Former Minister of Interior, Abba Patrick Moro and others are
being tried on an 11-count charge before Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of
the Fedeeral High Court, Abuja. They are being prosecuted in
respect of the botched March 15, 2014 National Immigration Services
(NIS) recruitment exercise, were charged with obtaining money by
false pretences, procurement fraud and money laundering.

They are accused of defrauding 675, 675 graduate applicants of
about N675,675,000 having been made to pay N1000 each as processing
fees for 5,000 (five thousand) job openings.

The prosecution is expected to continue its case when the court
resumes in January.

The prosecution is also expected to call more witnesses in the
trial of former Defence Minister and Chairman, Board of Trustees,
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Haliru Mohamed Bello was arraigned
with his son, Abba and a company, Bam Projects and Properties.

They were arraigned on January 5, 2016 on a four-count charge of
money laundering before Justice Ahmed Ramat Mohammed of the Federal
High Court, Abuja.

Bello, his son and BAM are, in the charge marked:
FHC/ABJ/CR/389/2015ý, accused of receiving N300m from the office of
the National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Mohammed Dasuki on March
17, 2015 for political campaign under pretext that it was meant for
a housing project named “Safe Houses”.

Patience Jonathan

Wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Dame Patience, has
claimed the money in the companies’ accounts is hers. She is
praying the court to unfreeze the accounts to enable her have
access to her funds. The case comes up before Mohammed Idris on
January 18.

In late November, other accounts belonging to her, with about
N9billion, were frozen by Justice Mojisola Olatoregun-Ishola. The
case is also expected to make headlines this year.

A case that will also attract attention when a date is fixed for
hearing is the one filed by the first lady’s supporters against the
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) on her
alleged $15million.

The suit was filed at the Federal High Court by the Union of
Niger Delta Youth Organisation for Equity, Justice and Good
Governance, which sued for themselves and on behalf of Mrs
Jonathan.

The plaintiffs claimed that the organisation is using online,
print and electronic media to publish unfounded and malicious
allegations that she allegedly stole $15m (US) and ought to be
prosecuted.

SERAP’s suit on budget

padding

The suit filed by SERAP asking the court to compel EFCC to
investigate and prosecute the Speaker of the House of
Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and others over budget padding, will
generate public concern when hearing commences in the matter in the
new year.

Fani-Kayode/Nenadi Usman

Trial of former Aviation Minister Chief Femi Fani-Kayode and
former Minister of State for Finance  Senator Nenadi Usman
will resume on January 16 before Justice Muslim Hassan of the
Federal High Court in Lagos. They were arraigned by the EFCC on a
17-count charge of laundering about N4.6billion. They pleaded not
guilty.

Ex-NIMASA chiefs

Four former Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency
(NIMASA) workers were charged for corruption-related offences. One
of them, Temisan Omatseye, was convicted for contract splitting and
is on appeal after being granted a post-conviction bail. His appeal
will come up for hearing this year.

The trial of another former NIMASA Director-General Patrick
Akpobolokemi, who is facing over five separate fraud and theft
charges both at the Federal High Court and Lagos State High court,
is expected to be concluded this year.

Tompolo

A former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo (aka
Tompolo) was arraigned in absentia in no fewer than two charges
along with Akpobolokemi.

EFCC, on March 22, arraigned Tompolo in absentia over N34billion
fraud after he failed to turn up despite being declared wanted. He
was said to be “at large”. EFCC, in the 40-count charge before
Justice Ibrahim Buba, said they allegedly diverted N34 billion for
personal use, adding that the money accrued from the public private
partnership agreement between NIMASA and Global West Vessel
Specialist, said to be owned by Tompolo.  Other charges of
stealing, advanced fee fraud and money laundering involving about
N22.7billion are still pending against Tompolo before Justice
Buba.

The case will come up on Junuary 30 before Justice Buba.

Adegboruwa

The EFCC arraigned activist-lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa at the
Federal High Court for allegedly dealing in a seized property. The
commission said Adegboruwa and Jonathan Udeagbala, said to be at
large, allegedly conspired on August 13, 2013 to lease a property
at House 105, NICON Town Estate, Lekki, which EFCC said was a
“subject of interim orders of attachment made by Justice
Christopher Balogun of the Lagos State High Court” on June 18,
2012. But, On September 22, Justice Ayisat Opesanwo of the Lagos
State High Court vacated the interim order of forfeiture.

The case is adjourned to January 31.

Amosu

The EFCC arraigned a former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal
Adesola Amosu (rtd) on June 29 along with a former Chief of
Accounts and Budgeting at the Nigeria Air Force, Air Vice Marshal
Jacob Adigun and a former Director of Finance and Budget Air
Commodore Olugbenga Gbadebo at the Federal High Court in Lagos.
EFCC accused them and some companies of converting N21billion from
the Nigeria Air Force on March 5, 2014 in Lagos. They pleaded not
guilty. The trial will resume on January 25.

Dudafa

The trial of a former Special Adviser on Domestic Affairs to
ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Waripamo Dudafa, will resume before
Justice Babs Kuewumi on January 23. He was arraigned at the Federal
High Court in Lagos for alleged money laundering. He is facing two
separate charges. In the case before Justice Kuewumi, he was
arraigned with some companies, which pleaded guilty on September 15
to laundering $15,591,700 (about N5billion).

NAMA MD

Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) Managing
Director/Chief Executive Ibrahim Abdulsalam was arraigned at the
Federal High Court in Lagos on April 7 for allegedly stealing
N2.8billion. He was arraigned along with Nnamdi Udoh (said to be at
large), Adegorite Olumuyiwa, Agbolade Segun, Clara Aliche, Joy
Ayodele Adegorite, Randville Invesment Ltd and Multeng Travels and
Tours Ltd on 21-count charge. They pleaded not guilty.

Titi Abubakar

Also in the news was the case by EFCC on how Mrs Aminat Titi
Abubakar, wife of former Nigeria’s Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku
Abubakar was defrauded of N918 million by some business partners
including a former governorship aspirant in Akwa Ibom State,
Nsikakabasi Akpan Jacobs before a Lagos High Court sitting in
Ikeja. The EFCC arraigned Jacobs, Abdulmalik Ibrahim and Dana
Motors on a 15-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and fraudulent
conversion of properties belong to THA Shipping Maritime Services
Limited, a firm in which she had vested interest.

Fred Ajudua

The trial of a Lagos socialite and lawyer, Fred Ajudua who
allegedly duped former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-General Ishaya
Bamaiyi right inside Kirikiri Prisons made headlines
throughout  the year and will continue to make headlines next
year. Ajudua is scheduled to be re-arraigned for allegedly
defrauding General Bamaiyi of $1 million. He is to face a fresh
28-count charge before the court presided by Justice Josephine
Oyefeso.

Rickey Tarfa

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr Rickey Tarfa, was
arraigned for alleged obstruction of justice. The EFCC said he
prevented the arrest of his clients who are suspects in another
matter. He was also accused of bribing a judge, an allegation he
denied.

Ofili-Ajumogobia/Obla

The trial of Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High
Court will resume on January 9.  The EFCC accused her of
collecting N5million gratification from a Senior Advocate of
Nigeria (SAN), Chief Godwin Obla.

She and Obla were arraigned on a 30-count charge at the Lagos
High Court for allegedly conspiring to pervert the course of
justice last May 21. EFCC said Obla transferred N5million to Nigel
& Colive Ltd, a company the judge is a sole signatory to. The
judge and Obla pleaded not guilty.

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