18 minutes ago

http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/index.php/news/38471-lagos-speaker-aide-arraigned-for-alleged-money-laundering.html

Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji was yesterday arraigned for alleged money laundering before a Federal High Court in Lagos by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The Speaker and his Personal Assistant, Mr. Oyebode Atoyebi, who were arraigned on an amended 20-count charge before Justice Okechukwu Okeke, pleaded not guilty and were granted bail.

While Ikuforiji got bail on self recognition, the Clerk of the Lagos Assembly, Mr Segun Habiru, stood as surety for Atoyebi.

This is coming almost a month after Justice John Tsoho, whom the case was earlier assigned to, withdrew. Tsoho said his action was on “personal grounds.”

Yesterday, the court room was filled with lawmakers.

Supporters of the Speaker besieged the court, but were not allowed into the premises.

EFCC’s lawyer Godwin Obla informed the court of  the existence of a charge against the accused persons and requested that it should be read to them. The defence team, led by Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), did not object to the request.

The charge was read to the accused and they pleaded not guilty.

After the arraignment, Oyetibo urged the court to grant bail to the accused persons on self recognition, the Speaker being the third citizen of the state.

Obla did not oppose the bail application, but urged the court to attach conditions to Atoyebi’s bail.

Justice Okeke granted bail to Ikuforiji on self recognition and directed that someone stands as surety for Atoyebi. Trial will commence on March 26.

Ikuforiji and Atoyebi are being accused of accepting payments, amounting to N273,303,780 from the Assembly without going through a financial institution, an offence contrary to and punishable under Sections 16 (2) (b)  and 18 (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.

The offence was allegedly committed between April 2010 and July 2011.