A Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday adjourned the N650 million money laundering trial of a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Jumoke Akinjide, and two others to enable the defendants negotiate an out-of-court settlement with the prosecution. Justice Sule Hassan adjourned the case to February 22, to enable the defence and prosecuting counsels negotiate the deal.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had slammed a 24-count money laundering charge against Akinjide, Sen. Ayo Adeseun and a Chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Olarewaju Otti. Also listed in the charge is a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke, who was said to be “at large.
” When the case was mentioned yesterday before Justice Sule Hassan, counsel to Akinjide, Mr Bolaji Ayorinde, told the court that parties were in the process of engaging in settlement talks.
He said there was no point wasting the time and resources of the court, since the sum contained in the charge had already been refunded. “My lord, the charge before this court is essentially in relation to the PDP campaign funds for the 2015 elections in Oyo.
“Before trial commenced, the defendants who were chieftains of the PDP in Oyo at the time, acting on the collective decision of the party, decided to refund the monies mentioned in the charge.
“My application, therefore, is that this court adjourns further hearing, pending the outcome of discussion by counsel”, Ayorinde submitted. The prosecutor, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, confi rmed the position argued by Ayorinde. He told the court that the prosecution was not opposed to “discussions” and urged the court to grant an adjournment in furtherance.
Besides, Oyedepo also urged the court to place on record, the fact that his witness had been present in court since the last adjourned date in preparation for trial. In a short ruling afterwards, the Court held: “In line with the provisions of sections 270 of the ACJA, which allows parties to plea bargain, and as parties are not adverse to it, this case is adjourned until February 22 for hearing. “The earlier date of February 14 is vacated, and the defendants are to continue with their bail.
” The charge indicts the defendants of obtaining the sum of N650 million from Allison-Madueke, in advancement of the 2015 general elections.