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EFCC Debunks Rumours over Babalakin’s Trial

By on December 2, 2012

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday came out to clarify misconceptions that the court stopped EFCC from prosecuting the Chairman of Bi-Courtney, Dr. Olawale Babalakin.

EFCC’s head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren made the clarification in a statement.

The statement reads, “Contrary to reports by a section of the media, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has not been stopped from arraigning Dr. Olawale Babalakin by any court order.

“The ruling by Justice Mohammed Idris of a Federal High Court, Lagos which many have construed as a restraining order, merely granted leave to the applicant to apply for an order of prohibition preventing the EFCC and the Attorney-General of the Federation from going ahead with his arraignment.

“This was one of three prayers sought by Babalakin through an ex-parte application. However, Justice Idris turned down the two other prayers, which included an order to restrain the respondents from prosecuting the applicant.

“Their motion on notice for interlocutory injunction against the EFCC and the AGF is scheduled to be heard on December 12, 2012.

“Babalakin was to have been arraigned on Thursday November 30 before Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo of a Lagos State High Court, Ikeja on money laundering charges but failed to show up, claiming sudden illness that necessitated his hospitalisation at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital.

“Justice Onigbanjo has adjourned the case to December 12, 2012.”

Babalakin, Alex Okoh, Stabilini Visioni Limited, Bi-Courtney Limited, and Remix Nigeria Limited are facing a 27-count charge for helping the former governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori launder money to purchase a jet.

According to the charge sheet, they will be arraigned for alleged “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 react to 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 borders on alleged “retention of proceed of a criminal conduct contrary to Section 17(a) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004.”