EFCC To Appeal Judgment In Ex-Jonathan’s Aide, Dudafa’s N1.6bn Fraud Trial

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has vowed to appeal  Federal High Court judgment which discharged and acquitted Waripamo-Owei Dudafa, and a banker, Joseph Iwuejo.

The Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi on Thursday discharged and acquitted Dudafa, a former Senior Special Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan on Domestic Affairs and the banker, who were both charged with N1.6billon fraud.

EFCC said they are studying the details of the judgment and will approach the appeal court immediately.

The defendants were arraigned on a 22-count charge bordering on money laundering, conspiracy and concealment to the tune of N1.6bn.

The defendants allegedly conspired and laundered the fund through the accounts of A.B. Wise Resources Limited, Seagate Property Development and Investment Limited, Avalon Global Property Development Company Limited, Rotato Interlink Service Limited, Pluto Property and Services Limited, and De-jakes fast food and Restaurant Limited.

They pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against them, thereby leading to their trial.

Parties in the trial had, on Wednesday, February 27, 2019, adopted their final written addresses after Dudafa had closed his defence on January 22, 2019.

In his judgment on Thursday, August 29, 2019, Justice Muhammed Idris held that the prosecution, through his counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, failed to prove the charges against the defendant beyond reasonable doubts.

Justice Idris further held that the prosecution failed to call “material witnesses”, including former President Jonathan, one Somprei Omeibi, the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele and ex-National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.

The Judge also held that “the prosecution did its best, but it failed to conclude an investigation before going to court.”

Justice Idris, in his further judgment, dismissed the entire 22 counts against Dudafa and Iwuejo, discharged and acquitted them.