N1.6 bn Fraud: EFCC amends charges against Jonathan’s ex-aide

A Federal High Court in Lagos, on Monday, fixed November 15, to
take arguments on an amended charge filed by the Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against a former aide to
President Goodluck Jonathan.

Waripamo-Owei Dudafa is charged alongside one Iwejuo Nna, on
charges bordering on N1.6 billion fraud.

EFCC arraigned the accused on June 11, 2013, before Justice
Mohammed Idris on 23-counts of conspiracy to conceal proceeds of
crime amounting.

They had pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted
bail.

The prosecution closed its case on March 16, but the accused
opted to make a no-case submission in its defence and urged the
court to dismiss the case, on the grounds that the prosecution
failed to establish any case against them.

Mr Idris in a ruling delivered in August, dismissed the no case
submission of the accused, and ordered them to open their
defence.

Defence had since opened its case, after which the court
adjourned for adoption of final written addresses.

Meanwhile, on Monday, the prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo, informed
the court of an amended charge against the accused, and told the
court that same had been served on defence counsel.

He told the court that the amendment was not prejudicial, and
urged the court to accept same and cause the respective pleas of
the accused to be taken.

In response, defence counsel, Gboyega Oyewole (SAN) and Ige
Asemudara, respectively, resisted the move by prosecution, on the
grounds that they had not studied the amended charge.

Mr Asemudara, specifically, told the court that he had just seen
the amended charge since he was away when prosecution informed him
of same.

He told the court that he required time to study same.

Mr Oyewole on the other hand, told the court that he also needed
time to go through the amended charge, as the amendment may be over
reaching, adding that defence counsel was mindful of its effect on
the accused.

He prayed the court for an adjournment

After listening to counsel, Mr Idris adjourned the case until
Nov.15, to hear arguments on the charge.

The court held that the outcome of the court’s ruling, will then
determine whether the adoption of final addresses will proceed
thereafter.

The offences for which the accused are being tried, contravenes
the provisions of Sections 17(a), 18 (c), and 27 (3) (c) of the
EFCC Establishment Act 2004.

(NAN)