Court acquits businesswoman, firm of money laundering charges
Federal High Court in Abuja has acquitted and discharged Mrs. Isabella Oshodin and Bob Oshodin Organisation Limited of charges in a money laundering case. Justice James Omotosho held that the
Federal High Court in Abuja has acquitted and discharged Mrs. Isabella Oshodin and Bob Oshodin Organisation Limited of charges in a money laundering case.
Justice James Omotosho held that the prosecution failed to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.
Delivering the judgment, a copy of which was sighted yesterday, the court held that the prosecution did not establish the essential elements of the offences against the defendants.
The defendants faced 15 counts, including conspiracy to commit money laundering, transferring large sums allegedly derived from unlawful acts, and possession of funds linked to criminal breach of trust.
The prosecution also alleged some of the funds were used to buy property in United States.
Justice Omotosho noted that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence proving the defendants’ knowledge or intent regarding any unlawful activities.
Key statements from Mrs. Oshodin were ruled inadmissible because they were neither electronically recorded nor taken in the presence of her legal counsel, in violation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
Read Also: Mark-led ADC returns to court after threats, protest
The court further observed that the prosecution did not produce concrete documents showing funds were transferred to foreign accounts or used to acquire the property.
The absence of Col. Dasuki’s testimony also weakened the prosecution’s case.
During the trial, Mrs. Oshodin testified her husband, Robert, was ill and in U. S.
She said she became involved only after being contacted by a consultant.
She maintained the payments were for legitimate business activities, including sale of the family’s furniture manufacturing company and youth training programmes in Niger Delta and Southsouth.
She further noted she had refunded N180 million to the government following inquiries from EFCC and emphasised that the company’s dealings were with Presidential Amnesty Office, not directly with National Security Adviser.
The defence, led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) with Olajide Kumuyi, argued the prosecution failed to establish the source of the funds as illicit and that the statements relied upon were inadmissible.
