EFCC Appeals Acquittal in N3.645bn Money Laundering Case

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has approached the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court to appeal the acquittal of Engr. Touyo Omatsuli, the former Executive Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and three other firms in a case involving an alleged N3.645 billion money laundering scheme. The EFCC's counsel, E.E.

Iheanacho (SAN), contends that the trial court, presided over by Justice Daniel Osiagor, improperly discharged and acquitted the defendants on 46 counts, failing to adequately evaluate the evidence, including testimonies from 16 witnesses and various documentary exhibits. The EFCC maintains that the trial court ignored earlier appellate decisions affirming the strength of the prosecution's case.

The commission argues that the funds in question, allegedly paid to contractors linked to Omatsuli, constituted unlawful gratification rather than legitimate payments. The EFCC is urging the appellate court to set aside the trial court's judgment and allow for a conviction against the defendants.