N1.6bn Fraud: Court Dismisses Ex-Jonathan’s Aide, Other’s No-Case-Submission
Justice Mohammed Idris of a Federal High Court, Lagos, Monday, told Dr. Waripamo-Owei Dudafa, who is charged before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on alleged N1.6 billion fraud, to open his defence against the alleged financial crime.
Justice Idris ordered Dudafa, a Special Assistant to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Domestic Affairs, alongside his co-accused, Iwejuo Joseph Nna, to open their defence to the allegation, while delivering ruling on no-case-submission applications, filed before the court by the duo.
In dismissing the no-case-submission filed by Dudafa and Iwejuo, Justice Idris said: “the prosecution in this case called witnesses and tendered exhibits. The defendants will need to explain the content of the exhibits.
“At this stage, the question if the court will believe the exhibits is not allowed. I am of the view that the defendants have some explanations to make on the alleged crimes.
“The no-case-submission of the defendants is hereby refused”.
Dudafa and Iwuejo, through their application, have both urged court to discharge and acquit him of alleged N1.6 billion fraud leveled against him by the EFCC
The EFCC had arraigned Dudafa and Iwejuo Joseph Nna before Justice Mohammed Idris on 23-counts of conspiracy to conceal proceeds of crime amounting to over N1.6 billion on June 11, 2013.
Followed the dismissal of the no-case-submission, and by agreement of the prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo, and lawyer to the defendants, Demola Adefolaju, who stood in for Gboyega Oyewole (SAN) and Ige Asmudara, for the defendants, the matter was adjourned till August 20, opening open their defence.
