By Onyewuchi Ojinnaka
The scheduled trial of the Chief Executive Officer of 606 Auto Limited, Mr Sarumi Samusideen Babafemi, on Thursday before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos Nigeria was stalled due to the absence of a witness expected to be brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Consequently, the matter was adjourned to March 12, 2020.
Sarumi Samusideen Babafemi is facing trial before Justice Rilwan Aikawa on a five count-charge of transferring funds allegedly obtained under false pretence to his principals. He had pleaded not guilty to the charge.
He was arrested following an intelligence report released by the United States of America’s Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The anti-graft agency alleged that the defendant had used a new generation bank alongside other banks to carry out the illicit act.
The Commission in its charge marked FHC/L/374c/19, listed the new generation bank in its proof-of-evidence before the court.
The EFCC had claimed that 606 and his companies were alleged to have between 2013 and 2018 transferred the sum of N37.6 million to one Omojadesola Shittu Allison.
They were further alleged to have between 2015 and 2018 transferred the sum of N93 million to one Olanrewaju Ibrahim Oriyomi and the sum of N1.5 million to one Abiola Kayode Ayorinde (a.k.a ABK).
Furthermore, the defendant and his companies were said to have between 2015 and 2018 transferred the sums of N25million and N50million to the duo of Bartholomew Oluchukwu Ezeudoko and Amobi Uchenna E. According to the EFCC, the offences are contrary to Section 15(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011(As Amended) and Punishable under Section 15(3) of the Act.
