Court Acquits Ex-NDDC Director in N3.6bn Fraud Case

On Tuesday, a Federal High Court in Lagos discharged and acquitted Tuoyo Omatsuli, a former Executive Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, and Francis Momoh of charges related to N3.6 billion money laundering. Justice Daniel Osiagor ruled that the prosecution, led by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), failed to establish essential elements of the alleged offenses.

The court noted that the evidence presented did not prove the defendants' culpability in the 46 counts of charges brought against them. This ruling marks the second time Omatsuli and Momoh have been acquitted, with their initial acquittal occurring in 2020.

The case, which began in 2018, faced multiple legal challenges, including an appeal that led to their re-arraignment. The prosecution's inability to substantiate its claims was highlighted, with the court stating that no credible evidence was produced to support the allegations.