Keyamo's Absence Stalled Fani-Kayode's Money Laundering Trial

Keyamo's Absence Stalled Fani-Kayode's Money Laundering Trial

The on going trial of the Director of Media of the President Goodluck Jonathan Campaign Organization, Femi Fani-Kayode before the Federal High Court in Lagos was yesterday stalled due to the absence of the counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Festus Keyamo.

The court was forced to adjourned the trial till today (Tuesday) based on a letter written to the court by Kayamo, requesting that the date be vacated because he would be appearing before an Adamawa Federal High Court on Monday and he won't be able to attend court.

Fani-Kayode is standing trial before the court on a two count charge of laundering the sum of N2.1 million, while he was serving in the Obasanjo’s administration as Minister of Aviation and Minister of Culture and tourism.

He was specifically accused of conducting financial transaction exceeding N500,000, which was not done through a financial institution by accepting cash payment of various sum which was further carried in cash to First City Monument Bank Plc (FCMB)) through some of his associates. 

It will be recalled that Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia on November 17 while delivering ruling no a no case submission filed by the former minister had discharged and acquitted him of 38 out of the 40 counts charge preferred against him by the anti-graft agency.

she had, however, ordered him to enter his defence with respect to counts 25 and 26 of the charge, on which allegations of monetary payments were made.

Counts 25 reads: "That you, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode on or before 20th Sept. 2006, while serving as minister of culture and tourism of the Federal republic of Nigeria, in lagos within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, made a transaction exceeding N500,000 which was not done through financial institution, by accepting cash payment of N1 million, which sum was further paid into your personal account number, 103450252601 with First Inland Bank PLc Apapa branch, now FCMB, through one Supo Agbaje, your administrative staff, now at large.

Count 26 reads: "That you, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode on or before 20th Sept. 2006, while serving as minister of culture and tourism of the Federal republic of Nigeria, in lagos within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, made a transaction exceeding N500,000 which was not done through financial institution, by accepting cash payment of N1.1 million, which sum was further paid into your personal account number, 103450252601 with First Inland Bank PLc Apapa branch, now FCMB, through one Supo Agbaje, your administrative staff, now at large.

At the resumed hearing of the case on Monday, a lawyer from the Festus Keyamo's chamber, Somadina Okorie, told Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia that his principal, Keyamo had written a letter to court to 'vacate' Monday because he would be appearing before an Adamawa Federal High Court.

Counsel to the former Minister, Olawale Akoni (SAN), admitted receiving the said letter.

He also stated that though the case is slated for the accused to open his defence, but since the prosecutor is in court he conceded to the adjournment request of the prosecution.

Based on the development Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia  adjourned the case till Tuesday and Wednesday for continuation of trial.

The matter was slated for the accused to open his defence after the prosecution had closed its case.