Alleged N270m Fraud: Court Dismisses Ohakim’s No Case Submission

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday dismissed the no-case submission filed by former Governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim, against his trial for alleged corruption and money laundering offences.

Justice Adeniyi Ademola dismissed the application in a ruling he delivered yesterday.
He held that the prosecution, led by Festus Keyamo, has established a prima-facie case against the defendant, necessitating him to open his defence.

Ademola then adjourned till October 10 and 13 for the defence to call its witnesses.
Ohakim, was arraigned on July 8 last year by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a three-count charge of money laundering, arising from his alleged purchase of a house in Abuja, with cash payment of dollar equivalent of N270million in November 2008.

He was alleged to have committed the crime while he was governor of Imo State.
Ohakim, according to an EFCC witness, had paid the sum in hard currency of $2.29 million to acquire a piece of land at Plot No. 1098 Cadastral Zone A04, Asokoro District, otherwise known as No.60, Kwame Nkurumah Street, Asokoro, Abuja.
He was admitted to bail by Justice Ademola, July 9, 2015 after his arraignment on three count charge of money laundering by the EFCC.
The prosecution in establishing its case against the defendants called on six witnesses before the no case submission was filed by the defendant.