The Economic And Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has on Thursday, re-arraigned Justice Rita Ajumogobia who was re-arrested a few days ago, after she was discharged by a Federal High Court for an alleged money laundering. But a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) one Godwin Obla who she was charged with, failed to turn up in court for his arraignment.
When the case was called for the defendants’ arraignment before Justice Rilwan Aikawa of the Federal High Court in Lagos, Obla was absent.
Prosecuting counsel Rotimi Oyedepo said efforts to reach him failed and that his phones were switched off.
He said Obla’s lawyer could not also confirm his whereabouts.
Oyedepo urged the court to allow Justice Rita Ofili Ajumogobia take her plea alone pending when Obla is produced.
The court granted the prayer.
Justice Rita Ofili Ajumogobia pleaded not guilty to an 18-count charge.
Justice Rita Ajumogobia’s re-arraignment followed her arrest after the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja struck out a previous charge against her on Tuesday for lack of jurisdiction.
Obla, a former EFCC prosecutor, is the second defendant in the charge numbered FHC/139C/19.
EFCC said they conspired on May 21, 2014, to indirectly conceal N5million in the Diamond Bank account of Nigel & Colive Ltd, which they “reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: unlawful enrichment”.
The alleged offence is contrary sections 15 (2) (a) and 18 (a) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 and punishable under Section 15 (3).
Justice Rita Ajumogobia was also accused of indirectly concealing N12million in the same account.
EFCC, in another count, said she made a false statement to an officer that the money was payment for a property sale.
Justice Aikawa is presently writing a ruling on the former judge’s bail application.