Benjamin Omoike l Friday, August 30, 2019
LAGOS, Nigeria – A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Thursday discharged and acquitted a former Senior Special Adviser to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Domestic Affairs, Waripamo-Owei Dudafa and a banker, Joseph Iwuejo, over allegations of N1.6bn fraud brought against them by the Economic and financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Justice Mohammed Idris, in a 190-page judgement, said it was difficult to convict the duo as he faulted the anti graft agency’s disposition and its inability to prove its case against them beyond reasonable doubt.
Justice Idris said the EFCC failed to call vital witnesses, including former President Jonathan, one Somprei Omeibi, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and a former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, whom he said were critical to proving the case.
The judge said EFCC’s case was built on suspicion, which he said could not be used to secure a conviction.
He said the anti graft agency left loopholes in its investigation by rushing to the court to prosecute the matter. He therefore, dismissed all the 22 counts against Dudafa and Iwuejo who have been standing trial since 2016.
