Supreme Court Upholds Money Laundering Conviction

On December 12, 2025, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, comprising Justices Uwani Musa Abba Aji, Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, Chidiebere Nwaoma Uwa Moore Aseimo Abraham Adumein, and Mohammed Baba Idris, heard an appeal from a convicted individual sentenced to seven years for money laundering and criminal breach of trust by the Federal High Court in Lagos. The appellant contended that the Money Laundering Act, 2011, should refer to criminal acts under the law of the relevant state, arguing that criminal breach of trust is not recognized in Lagos State.

The Court of Appeal had dismissed his appeal, leading to the Supreme Court's review. The appellant raised four issues, while the respondent raised two.

The Supreme Court ultimately invalidated the appellant's arguments, affirming the conviction based on the assertion that the Money Laundering Act allows for prosecution regardless of the state law where the predicate offence occurred.