The Federal High Court in Abuja has cleared former Head of Service, Winifred Oyo-Ita of all money laundering charges filed against her, bringing an end to a six-year legal battle.
Delivering the ruling, late Tuesday, Justice James Omotosho upheld the no-case submissions filed by Oyo-Ita and eight co-defendants, stating that the prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence to justify a defence.
He described the case put forward by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as weak, speculative, and lacking proper investigation.
The defendants had faced an 18-count charge involving alleged laundering of about ₦570 million through contracts, estacodes, duty tour allowances, and related transactions.
However, the court found no proof that the funds in question were proceeds of illegal activity, an essential requirement in establishing money laundering.
Justice Omotosho noted that Oyo-Ita was neither a director nor shareholder in the companies linked to the allegations, weakening claims that she controlled or benefited improperly from the accounts.
He also found no credible evidence that travel allowances were fraudulently claimed or that official trips were not undertaken.
Additionally, key prosecution evidence, including confessional statements, was rejected because it did not comply with legal requirements under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, particularly the absence of video recordings during their collection.
The court concluded that the EFCC failed to establish a prima facie case, emphasizing that criminal allegations must be supported by concrete evidence, not suspicion.
Consequently, all nine defendants were discharged and acquitted of the charges.
(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
