ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed an appeal against the acquittal of Abiodun Agbele, a close associate of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, and three companies linked to them.
Agbele and 3 companies linked to him and Fayose, namely Sylvan Mcnamara Limited, De Privateer Limited, and Spotless Investment Limited were listed as the first to fourth respondents in the appeal.
The appeal challenges the ruling of Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court, which cleared Agbele and the companies of N1.2bn money laundering charges brought against them by the commission.
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The EFCC’s appeal seeks to overturn the lower court’s decision, arguing that the respondents have a case to answer regarding the alleged diversion of N1.2bn which is part of the sum of N4. 7 billion belonging to the Federal Government of Nigeria, from the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) for security purposes.
The commission contends that the funds were instead used to fund Fayose’s governorship election.
The appeal lists 17 grounds of appeal and seeks two primary reliefs from the Court of Appeal.
Firstly, the EFCC requests an order setting aside the ruling of Justice Dimgba and holding that the 1st, 3rd and 4th respondents have a case to answer on counts 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 of the amended charge.
Secondly, the commission seeks an order directing the respondents to enter their defense before the trial court on the listed counts 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 1 4, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 of the amended Charge, dated March 5, 2024, and filed on March 7, 2024, before Justice Dimgba of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, among others.
The EFCC’s appeal argues that the trial court erred in law by dismissing the charges despite overwhelming evidence of the respondents’ involvement in the alleged money laundering scheme.
The commission is determined to ensure that justice is served and that those responsible for the alleged fraud are held accountable.