The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has discharged and acquitted former President Goodluck Jonathan’s cousin, Robert Azibaola, of the 40 million-dollar money laundering charge, brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The EFCC had in 2016 filed a 7-count charge against Robert Azibaola, his wife, Stella and their company, stating that they received $40 million worth of contracts from the former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki.
They were arraigned on 7th of June 2016, and were admitted to bail in the sum of N500 million each.
They were re-arraigned on 27th of April 2017, this time on a 9-count amended charge.
In the course of the trial, the prosecution called 10 witnesses and tendered 27 documents as evidence against the 3 parties and closed its case.
Subsequently, Mr Azibaola and One Plus were ordered to open their defence on the remaining 3 counts, as Mrs Azibaola’s name was struck off the charge sheet.
On February 6, 2019, his defence team led by Chris Uche, closed its defence after calling two witnesses, including Mr Azibaola, and presented several documents.
Delivering judgement, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba, held that no credible evidence was adduced to establish the offence of money laundering against Mr Azibaola.
Justice Dimgba held that ”the Prosecution anchored his case on the fact that the 40 million dollars was for the purchase of tactical communication equipment.
The defence on the other hand .stated that the real purpose was for a special assignment given to him by former president Jonathan.
In his ruling the Judge held that the prosecution ought to have called
Colonel Sambo Dansuki to the stand but failed to do so.
The prosecution did not also investigate the claim, as the defendant provided documents to back up their claims.
He added that the prosecutor should have provided Sambo Dasuki as witness being in the custody of the State Security Service.
Friends and family of Mr Azibaola could not hold back their excitement as they jubilated, they described as a well delivered judgment.
