EFCC Appeals Acquittal of Omatsuli in ₦3.6 Billion Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is seeking to overturn a verdict from the Federal High Court in Lagos that acquitted Touyo Omatsuli, a former executive director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and three others of 46 counts related to a ₦3.645 billion money laundering scheme. The EFCC's appeal, filed under the leadership of a legal team including E.E.

Iheanacho, SAN, contends that the trial court, presided over by Justice Daniel Osiagor, failed to properly evaluate extensive evidence presented during the trial, which included testimonies from 16 witnesses and numerous documentary exhibits. The EFCC argues that the lower court disregarded binding decisions from previous appellate rulings and mischaracterized the nature of the funds involved.

The commission maintains that the funds were unlawfully paid to contractors and subsequently laundered through proxy corporate entities. The EFCC is urging the appellate court to set aside the lower court's judgment and convict the defendants.