A Federal High Court in Abuja has acquitted former Head of Service Winifred Oyo-Ita of N570m money laundering charges filed by the EFCC

The Federal High Court in Abuja has discharged and acquitted former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Winifred Oyo-Ita, of alleged N570 million money laundering charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Also read: NNPCL Signs Bold Deal With Chinese Firms for Refinery Revival

Justice James Omotosho delivered the ruling on Tuesday, upholding no-case submissions filed by Oyo-Ita and eight co-defendants after nearly six years of trial proceedings.

The court held that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against the defendants, describing the evidence presented as insufficient to warrant further defence.

Justice James Omotosho stated that the prosecution’s case lacked substantive weight and was based largely on speculation rather than verified proof.

The judge further criticised the EFCC’s investigation, noting that key elements required to establish money laundering, including predicate offences, were not proven in court.

He held that the prosecution failed to demonstrate that the funds in question were proceeds of unlawful activity, adding that documentary evidence supporting the allegations was missing.

According to Justice James Omotosho, materials before the court showed that the contracts linked to the case were duly approved and executed through official processes.

He also ruled that allowances such as estacodes and duty tour payments cited by the prosecution were properly authorised and could not be deemed unlawful.

The court faulted the EFCC for failing to present key documents, including travel approvals, memos, and audit queries, which could have supported its claims.

Justice James Omotosho further rejected confessional statements attributed to the defendants, ruling that they were not obtained in compliance with legal procedures under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

He ordered the expunging of those statements, citing the absence of video recordings required during their collection.

The judge concluded that there was no evidence linking Oyo-Ita to illicit financial activities, noting that she was neither a director nor shareholder in the companies under investigation.

Oyo-Ita and her co-defendants were originally arraigned in March 2020 over allegations involving contract kickbacks, estacodes, and duty allowances.

Also read: NICCI Hosts Powerful Nigeria–Indonesia Economic Forum

With the ruling, all 18 counts against the defendants were dismissed, bringing an end to the prolonged trial.