REPORT UPDATE N1.6bn fraud: Court frees Jonathan’s ex-aide, banker

The Federal High Court in Lagos has discharged and acquitted a former Senior Special Adviser to ex -President Goodluck Jonathan on Domestic Affairs , Waripamo -Owei Dudafa , and a banker , Joseph Iwuejo , who were charged with N1 . 6 bn fraud .

The court , in a judgment by Justice Mohammed Idris , said it found it difficult to convict the ex -presidential aide and the banker because the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission failed to prove the charges against them beyond reasonable doubts .

Warimopei Dudafa

The judge held that the EFCC failed to call vital witnesses, including Jonathan , one Somprei Omeibi , the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor and ex -National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki , who were essential to the proving of the case.

Justice Idris said the failure of the EFCC to call Jonathan , Omeibi , CBN governor , and Dasuki to testify in the case was fatal to the case of the prosecution.

While saying that money laundering was difficult to prove , the judge said the prosecution tried its best to prove the case, but its best did not measure up to the expected minimum requirement to secure a conviction .

Justice Idris said the case of the EFCC was built on suspicion and suspicion , no matter how strong , could not be used to secure a conviction .

He held that the EFCC did not conclude an investigation before rushing to court , thereby living loopholes . He dismissed the entire 22 counts against Dudafa and Iwuejo , discharged and acquitted them .

The defendants had been standing trial since 2016 .

SOURCE - Punchng