EFCC re-arraigns Justice Ajumogobia, Obla over money laundering

Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday re-arraigned a dismissed Federal High Court judge, Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia.

Also re-arraigned was a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Godwin Obla, over money laundering charges.

They have both denied 18-count charges of conspiracy, unlawful enrichment, retention of crime proceeds and money laundering.

Despite Obla’s absence, Justice Rilwan Aikawa had on April 18 granted Ajumogobia bail of N10 million with two sureties in like sum.

On their re-arraignment on Wednesday, the court granted Obla bail of N10 million with two sureties in like sum, who must be landed property owners in Lagos, or grade level 16 in the Federal Civil Service.

The court adjourned the case until May 23 for trial.

EFCC says the duo conspired on May 21, 2014, to indirectly conceal N5 million in Diamond Bank account of Nigel & Colive Ltd., which they “reasonably ought to have known formed part of proceeds of unlawful act.”

The alleged offences contravened Sections 15 (2) (a) and 18 (a) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011.

EFCC also accused Ajumogobia of indirectly concealing N12 million in the same account, adding that she falsely claimed that the money was payment for a sold property.