Court orders former Imo governor, Ikedi Ohakim to defend self against money laundering charges

Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered a former Governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim, to defend himself on the charges of money laundering brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The judge gave the order in a ruling yesterday on the no-case submission made for Ohakim by his lawyers – Awa Kalu (SAN) and Chris Uche (SAN).



Justice Ademola, who dismissed the no-case submission, held that the prosecution established, through its six witnesses, a prima facie case against Ohakim to warrant his being called upon to enter defence.

Ohakim was arraigned at the court on a three-count charge of money laundering on July 8, 2015, to which he pleaded not guilty.

The ex-governor is accused of purchasing a property at 60, Kwame Nkrumah Street, Plot 1098, Cadastral ZoneA04, Asokoro District, Abuja, with cash payment of $2.29 million, which was said to be the dollar equivalent of N270 million in November 2008.

The offence is said to be contrary to Section 1 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2004 and punishable under Section 15(1)(d) of the same law.

Ohakim is also accused of attempting to conceal the ownership of the property by entering into an agreement as a tenant in the property .

The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 14(1b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.

He is further accused of failing to declare the property as part of his assets when asked by the EFCC to do so in January, 2014, thereby allegedly committing an offence under Section 27(b) and (c) of the EFCC Act and punishable under the same section.

The prosecution closed its case on May 5, 2016, after calling six witnesses. Rather than open his defence, Ohakim chose to make a no-case submission.

By his no-case submission, the defendant sought to convince the court to dismiss the charge against him on the grounds that the prosecution was unable to lead evidence to warrant him to be called upon to defend himself.

Had the court upheld the no-case submission, the defendant would have been discharged. But with the failure of the no-case submission, Ohakim is required to enter his defence by calling witnesses.

Justice Ademola adjourned to October 10 for the opening of Ohakim’s defence.