By Onyewuchi Ojinnaka (Senior Correspondent)
In order to escape the long arms of the law, the former Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Mrs Jumoke Akinjide who is standing trial with two others over offences bothering on Money Laundering to the tune of N650 million, on Tuesday informed the court that she has refunded the said sum for which she was arraigned to the Federal Government through the Peoples Demoratic Party, Oyo State.
Speaking through her counsel Mr Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), Mrs Akinjide also informed the trial judge, Justice Muslim Sule Hassan of a Federal High Court Lagos that she wants to resolve her case with the Federal Government out of court and consequently asked for time to enable her do that.
At the resumed hearing of the case on Tuesday before Justice Sule Hassan, Counsel representing Akinjide, Mr Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), informed the court that parties were in a process of engaging in settlement talks.
He submitted that there was no point wasting the time and resources of the court, since the sum contained in the charge had already been refunded.
In his submission, Ayorinde said: “My lord, the charge before this court is essentially in relation to the PDP campaign funds for the 2015 elections in Oyo.
“Before trial commenced, the defendants who were chieftains of the PDP in Oyo at the time, acting on the collective decision of the party, decided to refund the monies mentioned in the charge.
“I have had a talk with the lead counsel for the prosecution, and so, going forward, we think it wise not to subject this matter to further adjudication, so as not to waste the time and resources of the court.
“In that light, I have suggested that all counsel meet, so as to look at a way forward on this charge, especially considering the fact that the monies complained of, has already been refunded.
“My application, therefore, is that this court adjourns further hearing, pending the outcome of discussion by counsel,”
Responding, the prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, confirmed the position as enuncited by Ayorinde.
Oyedepo, however, pointed out that the allegations against the accused, does not principally bother on campaign funds, but on “dealing with proceeds of unlawful activity”
He also confirmed to the court that the EFCC had recovered the sum of N650 million, adding that the said sum was recovered from the first accused and not from chieftains or principal members of the PDP.
Citing the provisions of Sections 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, (ACJA) Oyedepo submitted that its provisions allows for such “settlement discussions” by parties.
He told the court that the prosecution was not opposed to “discussions” and urged the court to grant an adjournment in furtherance.
Besides, Oyedepo further urged the court to place on record, the fact that his witness had been present in court since the last adjourned date in preparation for trial.
In his short ruling thereafter, the Court held: “In line with the provisions of Sections 270 of the ACJA, which allows parties to plea bargain, and as parties are not adverse to it, this case is adjourned until February 22 for hearing.
“The earlier date of February 14 is vacated, and the defendants are to continue with their bail,”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had on January 16 re-arraigned the Ex-FCT minister Mrs Jumoke Akinjide, a Party chieftain chief Mrs Olarenwaju Otiti and Senator Ayo Adeseun before the court on a 24-count charge bothering on money laundering to the tune of N650 million. They had pleaded not guilty to sll the counts.
Also listed in the charge is a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Deziani Allison-Madueke who was referred to as “being at large”.
The charge indicts the defendants of obtaining the sum of N650million from Allison-Madueke, in advancement of the 2015 general elections.
According to the charge, the accused reasonably ought to have known that the sum formed part of proceeds of an illicit act.