Fraud case dismissal sought.
The Federal Government is urging a Federal High Court in Lagos to dismiss the ‘no-case application’ filed by Petro Union and three of its directors, along with a consultant, who are currently on trial for an alleged £2.6 billion fraud. The trial judge in this case is Justice Mohammed Liman.
The Government’s Argument
Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, counsel to the Federal Government, presented his written address opposing the application by the company and its directors. He asked the court to dismiss the application.
The Defendants’ Claim
The defendants, through their lawyers, argue that none of the 13 witnesses called by the prosecution have established any case of fraud against them.
The Charges
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Petro Union Oil and Gas Limited, a consultant to the company, and three of its directors on a 13-count charge. The charges include conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretenses, attempting to steal, and forgery.
The Defendants’ Plea
“Abayomi Kukoyi, trading as Gladstone Kukoyi and Associates, along with the company’s directors, Messrs Kingsley Okpala, Chidi Okpalaeze, and Emmanuel Okpalaeze, vigorously denied the charges during their arraignment.”
The Government’s Response
In opposition to the application, the Federal Government argues that the prosecution has established a prima facie case of fraud against the defendants through its witnesses.
“The government affirms that Union Bank, Central Bank, Bankers’ Committee, and the EFCC have validated the defendants’ participation in overtly fraudulent activities. Asserting proof beyond reasonable doubt, the government insists on affording each defendant the chance to present their defense.”
Leave a Reply