A federal high court in Abuja has acquitted Winifred Oyo-Ita, former head of service of the federation of alleged fraud and money laundering amounting to N570 million.
This brings an end to a trial that lasted six years.
Delivering judgment on Tuesday, Justice James Omotosho upheld no-case submissions filed by Oyo-Ita and her co-defendants, ruling that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case.
Oyo-Ita, alongside her personal assistant and seven others, had faced an 18-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, bordering on alleged financial misconduct.
In his ruling, Omotosho described the case as fundamentally weak, stating that it was “built on speculation, suspicion and poor investigation.”
“I must say here that the case presented by the prosecution has no weight whatsoever,” the judge said, noting that key elements required to prove money laundering were missing.
The court found that Oyo-Ita had no direct ownership or control over the companies linked to the allegations, adding that prosecution witnesses confirmed she was neither a director nor a shareholder.
On the funds allegedly traced to her, the judge held that the EFCC failed to demonstrate that the monies were proceeds of unlawful activity.
“The prosecution did not provide any evidence to show that the monies are tainted with illegality,” he ruled.
The court also dismissed claims relating to estacodes and duty tour allowances, stating that the payments were duly authorised and that Oyo-Ita was not responsible for approving them.
Omotosho further faulted the absence of documentary evidence to support claims of irregular travel payments, noting that the court could not rely on assumptions.
“There are no memos, travel authorisations, or official records identifying the specific trips allegedly approved,” he said.
He added that no record of disciplinary action or administrative query was presented against the former Head of Service, describing the omission as significant.
The judge also rejected confessional statements attributed to some defendants, ruling that they were obtained in violation of legal provisions requiring proper documentation and representation.
Consequently, the court discharged and acquitted all nine defendants, bringing the case, which began in 2020, to a close.