In the matter concerning an alleged N8.5 billion money laundering scheme, Justice Ayokunle Faji of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, delivered a pivotal ruling on Monday, April 22, 2024. The ruling pertained to Major-General Emmanuel Atewe (rtd.), former Commander of the Joint Military Task Force, Operation Pulo Shield, and Kime Engonzu, a staff member of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), indicating that they are obliged to address the charges brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The charges against Atewe and Engonzu encompass 22 counts relating to alleged money laundering totaling N8,537,586,798.58. This legal action involves other individuals, including Patrick Akpobolokemi, a former Director-General of NIMASA, and Josephine Otuaga, another NIMASA staff member.
Among the charges leveled against them is an accusation of conspiring to convert funds belonging to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency with the intent to defraud, contravening Section 18 (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2012, and punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act.
Following their plea of “not guilty,” the trial commenced, during which the prosecution presented several witnesses before concluding its case. Subsequently, the defendants opted to file a no-case submission rather than proceed with their defense.
While Dr. Joseph Nwobike, SAN, representing Akpobolokemi, sought acquittal without presenting a defense, Justice Faji ruled on the no-case submission on Monday. Notably, the court discharged and acquitted Akpobolokemi and Otuaga. However, it mandated Atewe and Engonzu to present their defense specifically concerning counts 12 to 22 of the charge.
