A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has granted bail to a dismissed Federal High Court judge, Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, in the sum of N10 million with one surety in like sum.
Mrs Ofili-Ajumogobia was re-arraigned on Thursday after her arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday.
Justice Hakeem Oshodi of Ikeja High Court had on Tuesday struck out 30 count charge suit by EFCC against Ofili-Ajumogobia on grounds that EFCC did not follow procedures set by National Judicial Council (NJC) in disciplining erring judicial officers.
On her re-arraignment on Thursday, Ofili-Ajumogobia pleaded not guilty to 18 counts of money laundering.
EFCC could not produce a senior lawyer, Godwin Obla, for arraignment on Thursday alongside the former judge.
EFCC says the duo conspired on May 21, 2014, to indirectly conceal N5 million in Diamond Bank account of Nigel & Colive Ltd., which they “reasonably ought to have known formed part of proceeds of unlawful act.”
The alleged offences contravened Sections 15 (2) (a) and 18 (a) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011.
EFCC also accused Ajumogobia of indirectly concealing N12 million in the same account, adding that she falsely claimed that the money was payment for a sold property.
In the ruling on Thursday, the judge made an Order for the Issuance of Summons compelling Mr Obla to appear before the court on May 15 for the purpose of the trial.
The case was adjourned until May 15 for trial.
