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Ex-Bank PHB director, Adenmosun remanded in prison over alleged N26.6bn fraud

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File photo of Funmi Adenmosun.

Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court, in Lagos, on Thursday ordered the remand of a former Director of Bank PHB (now Keystone), Funmi Adenmosun at the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS) in Ikoyi, following his inability to perfect his bail conditions.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had on January 21 arraigned Adenmosun, before the court over alleged N26.6 billion money laundering.

The ex-Bank PHB  director was arraigned alongside his company, Home Trust Savings and Loan limited and a private company, Rare Properties and Development Limited.

He was subsequently granted bail in the sum of N250 million with two sureties.

But, at the resumed trial on Thursday, Adenmosun who was initially remanded in EFCC custody urged the court to change his remand to Ikoyi Correctional Centre until he meets his bail conditions.

Justice Osiagor granted his request and ordered his remand at Ikoyi Correctional Centre.

The EFCC’s counsel, Sulaiman Sulaiman told the court that the verification of documents presented by the sureties is still ongoing.

He informed the court that he was ready to commence trial and that one of his witnesses was in court.

The judge, however wondered why the prosecution was taking too long on the verification of documents submitted by the sureties.

Justice Osiagor also observed that the anti-graft agency imposed conditions that were not in the original order made by the court.

The court. then stopped the EFCC from carrying out the verification of the sureties adding that only the court will carry out the exercise.

The EFCC , thereafter called its first witness, Mr. Segun Adesomoju, the Compliance Officer, First City Monument Bank Ltd (FCMB), who told the court that his bank received a letter from the EFCC requesting for account details of the defendants.

However, an attempt by the EFCC prosecutor to tender some of the account statements hit a brick wall as the defence lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Wale Adesokan objected to their admissibility.

Following the objection, the EFCC lawyer, Sulaiman urged the court to adjourn the case to enable him to take certain steps to move the case forward.

The case has been adjourned to Friday 3rd of March for the continuation of trial.

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The defendants were arraigned on a 10-count charge bordering on conspiracy, money laundering and fraudulent conversion of the proceeds of private placement raised from the public in the name of Investments & Allied Assurance Plc.

Adenmosun pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

Some of the counts against the defendant read: “That you, Funmi Adenmosun and Home Trust Savings and Loan Limited and Rare Properties and Development Limited sometimes in 2007 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court conspired amongst yourselves to convert the sum of N26, 600, 000, 000 (Twenty Six Billion, Six Hundred Million Naira) which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of fraudulent conversion of the proceeds of private placement raised from the public in the name of Investments & Allied Assurance Plc and you thereby committed an offence contrary ta section 18 tab of the Money | laundering Prohibition Art, 2011 a8 amended and punishable under section 15 (2) (b) of the same Art.

“That you Funmi Adenmosun and Home Trust Savings and Loan Limited on or about the eighth day of November 2007, in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court indirectly transferred the sum of N450,000,000.00 (Four Hundred and Fifty-Five Million Naira) to Rare Properties and Development Limited which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of fraudulent conversion of the funds raised from the subscribers to the private placement conducted in the name of Investments & Allied Assurance Pic and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 15 (2) (b) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 as amended and punishable under section 15 (3) of the same Act.

“That you, Rare Properties and Development Limited or about the 8 day of November 2007 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court retained the sum of N450,000,060.00 (Four Hundred and Fifty-Five Million Naira) which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of fraudulent conversion of the funds raised from the subscribers to the private placement conducted in the name of Investments & Allied Assurance Plc and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 15 (2} (d) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 as amended and punishable under section 15 (3) of the same Act.

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“That you, Funmi Adenmosun and Home Trust Savings and Loan Limited, on or about the 9th day of November 2007 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourabie Court indirectly transferred the sum of N610.600,000.00 (Six Hundred and Ten Million Naira) to Rare Properties and Development Limited which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of fraudulent Conversion of funds raised from the subscribers to the private placement conducted in the name of Investments & Allied Assurance Plc and you thereby committed an offence contrary ta section 15 (2) (b} of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 as amended and punishable under section 15 (3) of the same Act.

“That you, Rare Properties and Development Limited on or about the 9” day of November, 2007 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court retained the sum of N610,000,000,00 (Six Hundred and Ten Million Naira) which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of fraudulent conversion of the funds raised from the subscribers to the private placement conducted in the name of Investments & Allied Assurance Plc and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2017 as amended and punishable under section 15 (3) of the same Act.

“That you, Funmi Adenmosun and Home Trust Savings and Loan Limited, on or about the 12th day of November, 2007 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court indirectly transferred the sum of N702, 000, 000.00 (Seven Hundred and Two Million Naira} to Rare Properties and Development Limited which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of fraudulent conversion of the funds raised from the subscribers to the private placement conducted in the name of Investments & Allied Assurance Pic and you thereby, committed an offence contrary to section 15 (2} (b) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 as amended and punishable under section 15 (3) of the same Act.

“That you, Rare Properties and Development Limited on or about the 12th day of November, 2007 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court retained the sum of N702, 000, 000. 00 (Seven Hundred and Two Million Naira) which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of fraudulent conversion of the funds raised from the subscribers to the private placement conducted in the name of Investments & Allied Assurance Plc and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering. Prohibition Act, 2011 as amended and punishable under section 15 (3) of the same Act.

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“That you, Funmi Adenmosun and Home Trust Savings and Loan Limited on or about the 13th day of November 2007, within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court indirectly transferred the sum of N706,000,000.00 (Seven Hundred and six million) to Rare Properties and Development Limited which you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of fraudulent conversion of the funds raised from the subscriber to the private placement conducted in the name of investment & Allied Assurance Plc and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 15 (2)(4) Of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 as amended and punishable under section 15 (3) of the same act.”

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Crime & Court

Court grants EFCC interim order to freeze over 1,000  bank accounts

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Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court Abuja has granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) an interim order to freeze 1,146 bank accounts owned by individuals and companies under investigation.

The investigation revolves around alleged offences related to unauthorised dealing in forex exchange, money laundering, and terrorism financing.

The judge’s decision came as a response to a motion presented by EFCC counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, during proceedings.

Justice Nwite stated, “That an order of this honourable court is hereby made freezing the bank accounts stated in the schedule below which accounts are owned by various individuals who are currently being investigated in a case involving the offences of unauthorised dealing in foreign exchange, money laundering and terrorism financing to the extent that the investigation will be for 90 (ninety) days.”

Moreover, the preliminary investigation uncovered a connection between these accounts and individuals exploiting virtual cryptocurrency exchange platforms to manipulate the value of the naira and launder proceeds from illegal activities.

Recognising the need to safeguard the funds in question during the investigation and potential prosecution, the judge emphasised the importance of preserving the identified bank accounts.

In light of these developments, Justice Nwite adjourned the matter to July 23, 2024, for further proceedings.

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The freezing order affects a wide range of companies across various sectors, including agro-businesses, logistics and haulage, microfinance banks, and engineering, among others.

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Crime & Court

Judgment Reserved in Baba Ijesha’s Sexual Assault Appeal

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The Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal has reserved judgment in the appeal filed by Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju James, widely known as Baba Ijesha, challenging his conviction by a State High Court over the sexual assault of a minor.

 

A three-man panel of the appellate court, led by Justice Folasade Ojo, reserved the appeal for judgment today after hearing arguments from both sides.

 

Baba Ijesha, in his notice of appeal, sought to overturn the judgment of the lower court, which on July 14, 2022, sentenced him to five years imprisonment for sexual assault on a minor.

 

Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo (rtd) of the Lagos Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Court convicted Baba Ijesha after finding him guilty of four out of six counts brought against him by the Lagos State government.

 

The counts included indecent treatment of a child and sexual assault, among others. However, he was acquitted of sexual assault by penetration.

 

In response to the conviction, Baba Ijesha’s counsel, Kayode Olabiran, argued that the prosecution failed to prove the allegations and claimed his client was set up, citing circumstances surrounding the incident.

 

Olabiran emphasized that Baba Ijesha’s confession was made under duress and urged the appellate court to set aside the lower court’s judgment.

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On the other hand, the Director of Public Prosecution, Dr. Babajide Martins, urged the court to dismiss the appeal, asserting that the conviction was valid and supported by evidence.

 

Dr. Martins also reiterated the victim’s age at the time of the incident, emphasizing her status as a minor under the law.

 

Following the arguments presented, the Court of Appeal reserved its judgment for a later date, leaving both parties awaiting the final decision on Baba Ijesha’s appeal.

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Crime & Court

Ex-Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello Alleged of Withdrawing $720,000 for Child’s School Fees

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Recent developments have shed light on the ongoing investigation into the actions of the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

According to the anti-graft agency, Bello is alleged to have withdrawn $720,000 from the state’s accounts to prepay his child’s school fees just before leaving office on January 27, 2024.

Speaking to journalists at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, Chief Ola Olukoyede revealed that Bello transferred the funds from the state coffers to a Bureau de Change operator for this purpose.

Olukoyede expressed incredulity at the move, highlighting the disparity between such actions and the socio-economic conditions in a state like Kogi.

“A sitting governor, because he knew he was leaving office, moved money directly from the government to Bureau de Change (and) used it to pay his child’s school fee in advance,” Olukoyede stated, emphasizing the sum involved and the implications for governance and accountability.

Olukoyede emphasized his commitment to ensuring the thorough prosecution of Bello, asserting that he would resign as EFCC chairman if the ex-governor is not brought to justice.

Also, he pledged to hold accountable those who obstructed the arrest of Bello during a recent operation at his residence in Abuja.

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The EFCC is pursuing charges against Bello relating to alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds totaling N80.2 billion.

Despite potential challenges and attacks against the agency, Olukoyede affirmed his resolve and that of his team to uphold the rule of law and combat corruption in Nigeria.

Yahaya Bello served as the governor of Kogi State from January 27, 2016, until January 27, 2024, when he handed over leadership to Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Efforts by EFCC operatives to apprehend Bello on April 17, 2024, were reportedly thwarted when Ododo intervened and allegedly facilitated Bello’s escape.

In response, the EFCC declared Bello wanted and warned against any further obstruction of its operations, a stance supported by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, who urged Bello to surrender himself to the authorities.

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