A Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday fixed July 6 to deliver ruling on a ‘no case’ submission filed by Waripamo-Owei Dudafa, a former presidential aide facing N5.1bn fraud charge.
Justice Mohammed Idris reserved ruling after counsel representing parties had respectively adopted their written submissions before the court.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arraigned Owei-Dudafa, a former aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan, alongside one Joseph Iwejuo, on 23 counts bordering on conspiracy and concealment of crime proceeds.
Also charged are some companies namely Seagate Property Development; Investment Ltd, Avalon Global Property Development Company Ltd, Pluto Property Ltd, Investment Company Ltd, and Rotate Interlink Services Ltd.
Others are LIbejige Services Ltd, De Jakes Fast Food Restaurant Nigeria Ltd and Ebiwise Resources.
The accused had pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bail.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that after EFCC closed the case for the prosecution, the defence had informed the court of a “no-case” submission filed on behalf of the accused.
According to the defence team, no prima facie case had been established against the accused.
When the case was called on Tuesday, Mr. Nnemeka Omenwa appeared for the EFCC while Messrs Gboyega Oyewole (SAN) and Ige Ashemudara appeared for the defence.
The defence adopted its no case submissions, urging the court to hold that the prosecution had not made out any case against the accused.
Defence brought its application pursuant to the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, as well as the 1999 Constitution as amended.
Adopting his submissions, Omewa on the other hand argued that based on evidences adduced by the prosecution, the EFCC had effectively discharged its burden of proof.
He argued that based on available evidences, the accused had cases to answer and urged the court to call on the accused to enter their defence.
After listening to the arguments Justice Mohammed Idris fixed July 6 for ruling.
The offences for which the accused are being tried contravened the provisions of sections 17(a), 18 (c), and 27 (3) (c) of the EFCC Establishment Act 2004.
