A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed money laundering charges against former Attorney-General Mohammed Adoke.
Justice Inyang Ekwo ruled on Friday that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) failed to present a strong enough case (prima facie case) against Adoke.
EFCC alleged that Adoke sometime in August 2013 in Abuja accepted a cash payment of the dollar equivalent of N300 million from Abubakar and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 16(2)(b) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011 as amended.
However, Justice Ekwo held that the evidence presented by the prosecution was manifestly unreliable.
The judge consequently proceeded to discharge and acquit the ex-AGF.
“I find that there is no evidence to prove the alleged offences against the first defendant (Adoke),” the judge said.
Justice Ekwo ruled that Aliyu Abubakar, the second defendant, has to open his defence because he has a case to answer to counts five, six, eight and nine of the charge.
The judge struck out counts one, seven and 10 as they relate to Abubakar, a businessman, with interests in real estate and petroleum.
Justice Ekwo then adjourned till April 22 for Abubakar to open his defence to the remaining counts.
