An Abuja federal high court has discharged and
acquitted Robert Azibaola, a cousin of ex-
President Goodluck Jonathan, of the $40
million laundering charges filed against him by
the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
(EFCC).


Azibaola was charged alongside Stella, his wife,
and their company, One Plus Holdings Nigeria
Limited for the alleged diversion of $40 million
meant for the supply of tactical communication
kits for special forces.

The money was allegedly transferred from the
account of the office of Sambo Dasuki, former
national security adviser (NSA) with the Central
Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to the domiciliary
account of their company.

Delivering judgement on Monday, Nnamdi
Dimgba, the judge, ruled that no credible
evidence was given to establish the allegation
of money laundering against Azibaola.
He noted that the prosecutor should have
produced Dasuki as a witness.

“That the EFCC and the prosecutor cried more
than the bereaved,” the judge held.

“That the prosecutor has not been able to prove
beyond a reasonable doubt the 2-count charge
against the defendant.

“The defendant is hereby discharged and
acquainted and not guilty.”

During the trial, the anti-graft agency had called
10 witnesses and tendered 27 documents
before the court, after which it closed its case
on January 23.

Chris Uche, counsel to Azibaola, then filed a no-
case submission to dismiss the charge against
his clients.


Uche said the prosecution had failed to
establish a nexus between the defendant and
the alleged offence.

https://www.thecable.ng/court-acquits-jonathans-cousin-40m-fraud

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