The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday November 15, 2016 arraigned 38-year-old Onwenu Nnamdi Innocent,  before Justice O. O. Oguntoyinbo of the Federal High Court, sitting at Ikoyi on one count charge bordering money laundering.

The matter which was initially before Justice Rita Ofili -Ajumogobia was inherited by Justice Oguntoyibo when Ajumogobia was moved out of Lagos Judicial Division.

When the charge were read to the defendant he pleaded not guilty.

He was alleged to be in possession of US$54,000(Fifty Four Thousand United States Dollars) which he failed to declare at the outward clearance of passengers en-route Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The charge read: “that you  Onwenu Nnamdi Innocent on or about the 11th of August, 2015 at Murtala Muhammed International Airport within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court had in your possession cash in the sum of Fifty Four Thousand United State of America Dollars (US$54,000) during your outbound clearance for travel to Addis Ababa Ethiopia and failed to declare the sum of Fifty Four Thousand United States of America Dollars (US$54,000 to the officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Services as required under the provision of section 2(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended by Act No.1 of 2012) and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 2(5) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011(as amended by Act No. 1 of 2012)”.

In view of the defendant's plea, the prosecution counsel, M. S. Owede asked for a trial date and prayed the court to remand the defendant in prison custody.

The defense counsel, Olusola Salawo informed the court that he had filed a bail application and sought to move his motion.

However, Justice Oguntoyinbo adjourned the matter to November 24, 2016 for argument on bail application while ordering the accused to be remanded in EFCC custody.

Media & Publicity

16th November, 2016