Court sends Saraki’s aide to jail over N3.5bn fraud, money laundering
President, Bukola Saraki, Gbenga Makanjuola in prison over alleged
N3.5bn fraud.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had arraigned
Makanjuola alongside a firm, Melrose General Services Limited; and one
Obiorah Amobi before the Justice Babs Kuewumi-led court.
EFCC arraigned the accused persons on an 11 count charge bordering on
conspiracy and money laundering.
In the charges, the anti-graft agency claimed that they committed the
offence sometime in December 2016 in connivance with one Robert Mbonu,
who is currently at large.
EFCC claimed that the accused persons, "took control of N3.5bn that
was transferred from the Nigeria Governors Forum's account into an
Access Bank Plc account number 0005892453, operated by Melrose General
Services Limited."
The Commission said the suspects, "reasonably ought to have known that
the said fund represented the proceeds of unlawful activities, to wit,
conspiracy, stealing and fraud."
Addressing the court, the prosecuting counsel for EFCC, Mr. Ekene
Iheanacho, said the actions of the defendants was contrary to Section
15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 and are
punishable under Section 15 (3)of the same Act.
When the charges were read, the accused persons, however, pleaded not guilty.
Despite their not-guilty plea, the trial judge ordered that they be
remanded in prison custody till October 9, when he would rule on their
bail applications.
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