The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has asked a Federal High Court in Abuja for permission to remove former petroleum minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke from the trial of Jide Omokore for money-laundering.
Jide Omokore is the chairman of Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts Nigeria Limited and a trusted associate of Diezani.
He was charged to court by the EFCC for alleged money laundering of N400 million.
At the resumption of the court session, Diezani’s lawyer argued before Justice Binta Nyako that his client would not take the plea as the prosecution, led by Rotimi Jacobs had failed to show any proof that Diezani or the other defendant, Kolawole Akane were served relevant court papers.
The defence argued that even though the former minister and Akane were charged together with Omokore, the prosecution had failed to include them on the defence list.
On the basis of the defence’s argument, Justice Nyako said the charge brought before the court was not mature for plea.
Following the Judge’s ruling, EFCC counsel, Rotimi Jacobs requested the court to erase the names Madueke and Akane from the charge sheet.
He further asked the court to allow Omokore to take his plea- a request which the court assented to.
See some photos of Omokore in court.
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