The Federal High Court Lagos has discharged and acquitted a former Senior Special Adviser to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Domestic Affairs, Waripamo-Owei Dudafa, and a banker, Joseph Iwuejo of the N1.6bn fraud charges preferred against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The defendants had been standing trial since 2016.
Justice Mohammed Idris, said it was difficult to convict the ex-presidential aide and the banker because the EFCC failed to prove its case them beyond reasonable doubts.
The judge held that the case of the EFCC was built on suspicion and suspicion, noting that no matter how strong, could not be used to secure a conviction.
He thereefore dismissed the entire 22 counts against Dudafa and Iwuejo, discharged and acquitted them.
Justice Idris said the EFCC failed to call vital witnesses, including Jonathan, one Somprei Omeibi, the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor and ex-National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, who were essential to proving the case against the defendants.
According to him, the EFCC did not conclude an investigation before rushing to court.
CHECKPOINTCHARLEY 