The Federal High Court in Abuja has discharged and acquitted former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Winifred Oyo-Ita, of N570m money laundering charges brought by the EFCC, ending a six-year legal battle.
Justice James Omotosho upheld a no-case submission by Oyo-Ita and eight co-defendants, ruling that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case.
“The case presented by the prosecution has no weight whatsoever,” the judge ruled.
He described the EFCC’s case as weak and based on “speculations, suspicions and shoddy investigation,” adding that essential elements of money laundering were not proven.
“Crucial elements of money laundering offences, which are the establishment of a predicate offence, were glaringly absent in this case presented by the prosecution,” he said.
The court found no evidence linking the funds in question to illegal activities, noting that the contracts under scrutiny were properly approved and executed.
“There is no proof before the court that estacodes or duty allowances were approved and subsequently collected without the corresponding trips being undertaken,” the judge held.
Justice Omotosho also faulted the prosecution for failing to present key documents such as approvals, audit reports, or memos to support its claims.
“The prosecution has, in effect, invited the court to engage in speculation,” he added.
He further ruled that Oyo-Ita was not a director or shareholder in companies tied to the allegations and stated that:
“The prosecution did not provide any shred of evidence to show that the monies are tainted with illegality,”
The judge also dismissed confessional statements relied upon by the EFCC, saying they were not obtained in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act due to lack of required video recordings.
Oyo-Ita, who was removed from office in 2019 amid corruption allegations, and her co-defendants were discharged on all 18 counts.
