N4.9bn Fraud: EFCC Asks Court To Dismiss Fani-Kayode, Usman’s Applications

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday urged a federal high court in Lagos to dismiss the separate applications filed by two former ministers, Femi Fani-Kayode and Senator Nenadi Usman, challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the money laundering charge brought against them by the commission.

The EFCC in a counter affidavit to the ministers applications, insisted that their applications were brought in bad faith to scuttle the trial.

Fani-Kayode, Senator Usman and others are being tried by the (EFCC) for allegedly stealing and laundering about N4.9bn.

They were charged before the court alongside a firm, Joint Trust Dimensions Limited and one Danjuman Yusuf on June 28, 2016 on a 17-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing, corruption and making cash payments exceeding the amount authorized by law.

At the last sitting of the court, the defendants through their lawyers had asked the court to suspend their clients ongoing trial.

The lawyers, Norrisson Quakers (SAN), Abiodun Owonikoko (SAN) and S.I Ameh urged the court to adjourn the suit to a date when all pending applications on jurisdiction will be heard and determined by the court, adding that it will serve the interest of justice to so do.