Photo: EFCC Arraigns 38-Year-Old Man Over Bulk Cash Movement And Suspected Money Laundering

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday November 15, 2016 arraigned Onwenu Nnamdi Innocent, 38 years, before Justice O. O. Oguntoyinbo of the Federal High Court, sitting at Ikoyi on a one - count charge bordering on Bulk Cash Movement And Suspected Money Laundering. The matter which was initially before Justice Rita Ofili -Ajumugobia was inherited by Justice Oguntoyibo when Ajumugobia was moved out of Lagos Jurisdiction.

The matter was adjourned for arraignment on the 15th of November 2016.

When the charge were read to the defendant he pleaded not guilty.

He was alleged to be in possession of a travelling bag containing US$54,000(Fifty Four Thousand United States Dollars) which he failed to declare at the outward clearance of passengers en-route Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He had in his possession a total sum of Fifty Four Thousand US dollars (US$ 54,000).

The charge read: “that you Onwenu Nnamdi Innocent on or about the 11th of August, 2015 at Murtala Muhammed International Airport within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court had in your possession cash in the sum of Fifty Four Thousand United State of America Dollars (US$54,000) during your outbound clearance for travel to Addis Ababa Ethiopia and failed to declare the sum of Fifty Four Thousand United States of America Dollars (US$54,000 to the officers and men of the Nigerian Customs Services as required under the provision of section 2(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended by Act No.1 of 2012) and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 2(5) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011(as amended by Act No. 1 of 2012)”.

In view of the defendant's plea, the prosecution counsel, M. S. Owede asked for a trial date and prayed the court to remand the defendant in prison custody.

The defense counsel, Olusola Salawo informed the court that he had filed a bail application and urged the court to move his motion.

However, Justice Oguntoyinbo adjourned the matter till 24th November, 2016 for argument on bail application while ordering the accused to be remanded in EFCC custody.