EFCC To Dudafa: We’ll Appeal Your Discharge, Acquittal

Following the discharge and acquittal of a former Senior Special Adviser to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Domestic Affairs, Waripamo-Owei Dudafa, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has vowed to appeal the judgement.

Justice Muhammed Idris of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos had Thursday discharged and acquitted Dudafa and a banker, Joseph Iwuejo who were charged with N1.6bn fraud.

Justice Idris held that the prosecution, through its counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, failed to prove the charges against the defendants beyond reasonable doubts.

He said that the Commission failed to call “material witnesses”, including former President Jonathan, one Somprei Omeibi, the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele and ex-National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.

He consequently dismissed all the 22 counts against Dudafa and Iwuejo.

But in a statement on Thursday, August 29, 2019, the Commission said it was studying the details of the judgment and would approach the appeal court for a review.

The defendants were arraigned for money laundering, conspiracy and concealment to the tune of N1.6bn.

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

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