Justice Efreti Abang of the Federal High Court sitting in Asaba, Delta State yesterday ordered that Mrs. Fidelia Omoile, an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Isoko-South Local Government Area of Delta State, be remanded in prison custody.
The decision followed her arraignment on a two- count amended charge, bordering on conspiracy and money laundering, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Mrs. Omoile was arraigned for allegedly collecting N112, 480, 000. 00 as a bribe, in the weeks leading to the 2015 presidential election.
She was among the over 100 INEC officials that allegedly collected part of the $115 million (about N23 billion) disbursed by former Petroleum Resources Minister Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, ahead of the 2015 presidential poll.
Mrs. Omoile was arrested on April 11, last year, following intelligence received by the EFCC on the activities of some INEC officials, who allegedly connived with some Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), in defrauding the Federal Government of money, running into millions.
Count one of the charge read: “That you Fidelia Omoile on or about the month of March, 2015 at Asaba within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did conspire among yourselves to receive cash payment in the sum of N 112,480,000.00 (One Hundred and Twelve Million, Four Hindered and Eighty Thousand Naira only) exceeding the statutory limit without going through a financial institution and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (a) of the Money laundering (Prohibition) Act 2012 as amended and punishable under Section 15 (3) and (4) of the same Act”.
Count two of the charge read: “That you Fidelia Omoile on or about the month of March, 2015 at Asaba within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did receive cash payment in the sum of N112,480,000.00 (One Hundred and Twelve Million, Four Hindered and Eighty Thousand Naira only) exceeding the statutory limit without going through a financial institution and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (a) of the Money laundering ( Prohibition) Act 2012 as amended and punishable under Section 16 (b) and (4) of the same Act”.
Mrs. Omoile pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to her.
In view of her plea, the prosecution counsel, Sadiq Hussaini, asked for a trial date and prayed that the defendant be remanded in prison custody.
The counsel to the defendant, K. O Obamogie, however, made an oral application for bail of his client and urged the court to grant his prayers. Mr. Hussaini opposed the prayers.
In his ruling, Justice Abang turned down the defendant’s application for bail, directing that the application be filed formally.
He also adjourned the matter to June 6 for hearing and ordered the defendant to be remanded in prison custody pending the determination of her bail.
