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Bi-Courtney Boss, Babalakin’s Trial Starts today

By on November 29, 2012

 

Bi-Courtney Chairman Dr. Olawale Babalakin (SAN) has decided to face trial over the N3.4 billion allegedly laundered for ex-Governor James Ibori to buy a Challenger aircraft.

It took the Chairman over a week to decide on accepting to face trial alongside Stabilini Vision Limited, Bi-Courtney Limited, Alex Okoh, and Renix Nigeria Limited.

Ironically, the trial for the suspects including Dr. Olawale Babalakin is expected to take place at the court complex built by Bi-Courtney.

The trio will face a 27-count charge in the High Court of Lagos State, Ikeja Division.

The charge sheet, dated November 21, was filed by A.M. Yusuf, Esq., for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Attorney-General of the Federation.

A source in EFCC, who spoke confidence, said, “We have received assurances from Babalakin that he will appear in court for arraignment on Thursday (today). He offered to come for arraignment; we have no reason to doubt him.

“We may, therefore, have no reason to arrest him before trial. What is important is to serve the cause of justice.”

Responding to a question, the source said, “There is an understanding that all the suspects will be at the EFCC office in Ikoyi by 7am and it is from there that they will be taken to court.

“Babalakin has been cooperating with the EFCC in its investigation; there is no problem at all.”

Another source, who begged for anonymity, said Babalakin relocated from Abuja to Lagos on Wednesday evening for his trial.

“He is innocent of the charges but it is normal to arraign any suspect in court. This investigation has been on in the last seven years without anything found against Babalakin.

“The arraignment might be an attempt to break his spirit but justice will prevail at the end of the day.

“It is going to be a major legal battle and we have assembled a crack team of lawyers to defend him and four others.

“Ironically, Babalakin will be arraigned in the same court complex which his company built to taste. That is life, everything has a purpose.”

All the suspects will be prosecuted in court for suspected “conspiracy to commit felony to wit: corruptly conferring benefit on account of public action, contrary to Section 516 of the Criminal Code Law, CAP. C17, Laws of Lagos State, 2003.”

They are also to answer to the accusation of “corruptly conferring benefit on account of public action, contrary to Section 98A (1) (a) of the Criminal Code Law, CAP. C17, Laws of Lagos State, 2003”.

The third peg of their trial stands on supposed “retention of proceed of a criminal conduct contrary to Section 17(a) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004”.