Money Laundering: Absence of witness stalls Femi Fani-Kayode’s trial

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By: Admin

ABUJA, Nigeria – The trial of former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, was stalled at the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, due to the absence of the third prosecution witness.

When the matter was called on Thursday, the prosecuting counsel, Farouk Abdullah, informed the Court that the day’s business was for the continuation of the trial to allow the defence team cross-examine the third prosecution witness.

Abdullah, however, told the Court that the cross-examination would not be possible because the witness was indisposed.

“My lord, on the last adjourned date, the matter was adjourned for the cross-examination of PW3, Goji, but he suddenly took ill and has been admitted at the hospital.

“I tried to reach out to my colleague on the other side but was told that he had left the law firm.

“I sincerely apologize to the court and the defence, and given this fact, I humbly apply that the matter be adjourned to a date convenient for the court and the defence,” he said.

Following no objection from the defence, the trial judge, Justice John Tsoho, adjourned the matter to December 7, for the cross-examination of the third prosecution witness.

Fani-Kayode was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) on a five-count charge bordering on money laundering and criminal breach of trust.

He allegedly received N26 million from the office of the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, and allegedly used it for a media campaign, contrary to section 15 (2) (b) of the Money Laundering Act.

The former aviation minister pleaded not guilty to the charge and was admitted to N50 million bail and one surety.

Fani-Kayode is one of the chieftains of the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC) campaigning for Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘presidency’

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