Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said it would appeal the acquittal of a cousin of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Robert Azibaola, of $40 million laundering charges.
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday dismissed EFCC’s charges against Mr Azibaola, saying it had no credible evidence to indict him.
The EFCC said in a statement on Tuesday that it was concerned that despite the weight of evidence brought before the court and witnesses presented, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba ruled that, “the prosecution must show directly how the defendant took possession of funds and knew that it forms part of proceeds of corruption.”
The statement said that “invariably, the Commission’s legal team will be studying the judgement thoroughly and will be taking necessary actions to appeal it as we hope that the appellate court shall view the merit of the prosecution and do justice to the case.”
EFCC had in 2016 opened a seven-count charge against Azibaola, his wife, Stella, and their company.
The commission claimed that they received $40 million worth of illicit contract from Mr Dasuki.
Mr Jonathan’s cousin and others were arraigned on June 7, 2016 and admitted to bail in the sum of N500 million each.
They were re-arraigned on April 27, 2017 on a nine-count amended charge.
Azibaola’s wife’s name was later struck off the charge sheet.
On February 6, 2019, Azibaola, through his counsel, closed his defence after calling two witnesses, including himself.
