The absence of Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, who represents Delta
North, Monday, stalled his trial at the Federal High Court in Lagos
for alleged money laundering.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) re-arraigned
him last October 5 before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke.
It followed the elevation of the previous judge handling the
case, Justice Mohammed Idris, to the Court of Appeal.
EFCC re-arraigned him along with Golden Touch Construction
Projects Limited and Suiming Electricals for alleged N322million
fraud.
Two witnesses, Prince Kpokpogiri and Murtala Abubakar, had
testified before Justice Idris before whom Nwaoboshi was arraigned
last April 25.
Trial could not go on Monday as the prosecution said it was
informed that the defendant would not be available.
The prosecution alleged that Nwaoboshi and Golden Touch
Construction Projects purchased a 12-storey property known as
Guinea House on Marine Road in Apapa, Lagos for N805million between
May and June 2014.
The anti-graft agency claimed that N322million out of the
N805million was part of proceeds of “an unlawful act, to wit:
fraud.”
The EFCC alleged that the N322million was transferred to the
property’s vendor on the order of Suiming Electricals, which was
accused of aiding Nwaoboshi and Golden Touch Construction Projects
to commit money laundering on or about May 14, 2014.
According to EFCC, Nwaoboshi, a former Delta State People’s
Democratic Party (PDP) chairman, got a contract through Bilderberg
Enterprises Ltd to supply new construction equipment to the state
Direct Labour Agency at N1,580,000,000.
The company allegedly imported and supplied used construction
equipment rather than brand new ones despite receiving full
payment.
EFCC said Nwaoboshi, with the proceeds, bought the 12-floor
building from Delta State Government at N805million in the name of
Golden Touch Construction Projects.
The commission said the Senator had “no visible legitimate
business venture to generate the amount spent to purchase the said
property.”
The alleged offence contravenes sections 15(2)(d) and 18(a) of
the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 and punishable under
Section 15(3).
Justice Aneke adjourned until May 28 and 30 for continuation of
trial.
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