The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday arraigned before a Federal High Court in Ilorin, Ope Saraki, a former aide of ex-Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, for alleged money laundering.
Mr Saraki is the cousin of former Senate President Bukola Saraki.
He was arraigned last week before a Kwara State High Court in Ilorin for alleged contract scam of over N220 million.
He was, however, arraigned on Tuesday on one count charge of money laundering.
EFCC alleged that Saraki received the sum of N11 million from Kunle Adimula while serving as Senior Special Assistant on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to ex-governor Ahmed contrary to money laundering prohibition act of 2011.
The charge reads: “That you, Ope Saraki, sometime in February 2019, whilst being the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Kwara state on Sustainable Development Goals (MDGs) at Ilorin within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did receive cash payment of N11,180,000.00 (eleven million, one hundred and eighty thousand naira) from one Kunle Adimula, an employee of Kwara state government, which sum exceeded the cash payable to an individual and thereby committed an offence contrary to section one and 16 of the money laundering (prohibition) Act 2011 (as amended) and punishable under section 16 of the same Act.”
Saraki pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Justice Babangana Ashigar granted him bail in the sum of N10 million with two sureties in like sum.
The judge ordered that one of the sureties must reside in the jurisdiction of the court.
Justice Ashigar added that Saraki should submit his travel documents to the Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court.
Saraki will remain in EFCC’s custody till he meets his bail conditions.
The case was adjourned until May 15.
