A Federal High Court in Abuja has acquitted Hon. Gbenga Makanjuola and Kolawole Shittu, former aides to ex-Nigerian Senate President Bukola Saraki, of N3.5 billion fraud charges. The court delivered its verdict on Thursday, discharging the duo of all allegations.
After the court’s ruling, Makanjuola, who was accused of fraud alongside two other defendants, shared his relief and gratitude with The Informant247.
“I’m thrilled to have been vindicated,” he exclaimed. “This journey has been arduous, spanning almost eight years, but I’m thankful to God for seeing me through.”
Makanjuola commended the court’s decision, referencing a recent Supreme Court judgment that validated the funds in question as a legitimate commercial transaction. “The court’s ruling aligns with the Supreme Court’s judgment, which deem the funds legitimate. This means the criminal charges are now dismissed, and the matter is finally resolved,” he stated.
Honourable Makanjuola and Kolawole Shittu were represented by seasoned legal experts, Paul Erokoro SAN and Ojukwu SAN, respectively, who led a team of other lawyers. The third defendant was represented by Wale Adewumi Esq and his colleagues.
When asked about his involvement in the case, Makanjuola expressed his desire to reflect and enjoy the moment, thanking God for his vindication. He hinted that he would address the matter at an appropriate time.
Background:
In 2018, the EFCC arraigned Makanjuola and three other defendants before the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on charges of conspiracy, money laundering, and payment of funds without going through financial institutions. The EFCC alleged that the defendants conspired to disguise the origin of N3.5 billion paid into Melrose General Services Limited’s Access Bank account in December 2016. Specifically, it was alleged that:
– Melrose General Services Limited and Robert Chidozie Mbonu (now at large) conspired to disguise the origin of the funds.
– Obiora Amobi, the operation manager, made a cash payment of N300 million to Robert Mbonu without using a financial institution.
– Makanjuola and Kolawole Shittu made cash payments of $500,000 without using a financial institution in December 2016.
The EFCC claimed that these offenses violated the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, and were punishable under the same act. All defendants pleaded not guilty and were granted bail in the sum of N250 million each with two sureties.
In 2020, the defendants challenged the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the criminal charges, arguing that they were invalid and violated principles of law. The court struck out the case based on invalid and improper charges.
However, in January 2021, EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo SAN re-filed the criminal charges against the four defendants at the Federal High Court, Abuja. In May 2024, they were rearraigned before Hon. Justice P.O Lifu on third amended charges bordering on conspiracy, accepting cash payments beyond the threshold, and stealing. The defendants pleaded not guilty, and their counsels made applications for bail, which were granted.