Court Acquits Winifred Oyo-Ita of N570m Fraud Charges

On Tuesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja discharged and acquitted Winifred Oyo-Ita, the former Head of Service, of money laundering charges amounting to N570 million after a six-year trial. Justice James Omotosho upheld a no-case submission filed by Oyo-Ita and eight co-defendants, stating that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) failed to establish a prima facie case against them.

The judge criticized the prosecution's case as being built on "quicksand" and lacking substantial evidence. He noted that crucial elements necessary to prove the money laundering allegations were absent, including proof that the funds were derived from unlawful activities.

The court found no evidence linking Oyo-Ita to the alleged fraudulent contracts or that she improperly approved travel allowances. The EFCC had arraigned Oyo-Ita and others in March 2020, alleging fraud related to duty tour allowances and kickbacks, but the prosecution's case was deemed insufficient.