Dismissed Federal High Court judge, Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia has been rearaing yeaterday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charges for money laundering at the federal high court in Lagos.
It was also reported that Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Godwin Obla, was also charged along Ajumogobia. Although he was absent during the arraignment, Rilwan Aikawa the justice in charge issued a summons for him to appear on the day fixed for trial.
According to Rotimi Oyedepo, the prosecuting counsel, all the attempt to reach him was not succesfull. All hid phones were switched off and even his lawyer could not confirm his whereabouts.
In a statement released by EFCC. Ajumogobia and Rotimi both conspired to conceal and retain N5 million in the Diamond Bank account of Nigel & Colive Ltd, on May 21, 2014. It was also said that Ajumogobia indirectly conceal N12 million in the same account, indirectly retaining $150,000 in her account on May 30, 2013, among others.
Mr. Wale Akoni (SAN),Ofili-Ajumogobia’s counsel After pleading not guilty to the 18-count charge,then urge the court to grant her bail on self-cognisance.
According to her counsel Akoni, Ofili-Ajumogoba still remains a judge until President Muhammadu Buhari ratifies the NJC decision. Ruling, Justice Aikawa grant her bail of 10 million with one surety in like sum, after alleging that her offence is bailable.
Justice Aikawa, asked the defendant to deposit her international passport with the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar, and alleged that she should be released pending when she will perfect her bail conditions, which must be within the next seven working days considering the public holidays.
The Judge says:
“An order is hereby made for the issuance of summons compelling Mr. Godwin Obla (SAN) to appear before this court on May 15, 2019 for trial. “The case is hereby adjourned for trial till May 15, 2019,”