The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to launch a fresh prosecution of former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, and three others for alleged misappropriation of N4.6bn and money laundering. This comes after the Court of Appeal in Lagos quashed the charges, prompting the EFCC to seek a new trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Counsel for the EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), informed Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Lagos that the release of all exhibits and documents tendered by the prosecution was necessary to enable the Commission to commence the matter afresh in Abuja. Justice Osiagor subsequently ordered the release of all exhibits and documents tendered before the court during the hearing of the matter back to the EFCC.
Last week, the Court of Appeal delivered judgment on an appeal filed by one of Fani-Kayode’s co-defendants, former Minister of Finance, Nenadi Usman, challenging the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court in Lagos to hear the matter. The appellate court unanimously resolved the issues in favour of the appellant and held that the Federal High Court in Lagos lacked jurisdiction to adjudicate on the matter. The court also held that all the transactions carried out by the defendants took place in Abuja, giving the Federal High Court in Abuja jurisdiction to hear the case.
The EFCC’s decision to pursue a fresh prosecution of Fani-Kayode and his co-defendants underscores the Commission’s commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring that justice is served. The release of all exhibits and documents will enable the Commission to build a strong case against the defendants and ensure that they are held accountable for their alleged crimes. The EFCC remains resolute in its efforts to rid Nigeria of corruption and promote transparency and accountability in all sectors of the economy.
