Alleged fraud: Court acquits Carolina Luxury Homes, director of 30-count charge

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has discharged and acquitted Princess Carol Ngozi, Chief Executive Director of Carolina Luxury Homes Ltd, and her company of all 30 counts of fraud filed against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Delivering judgment, Justice A.A. Fashola ruled that the EFCC failed to establish a prima facie case against the defendants.

Citing Section 302 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, the court recorded a finding of not guilty and formally discharged and acquitted both defendants.

“Pursuant to Section 302 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, this honourable court holds the view that the prosecution failed to make out a prima facie case against the defendants.

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“Consequently, this honourable court hereby records a finding of not guilty in respect of the defendants herein,” Justice Fashola declared.

Princess Ngozi and Carolina Luxury Homes Ltd were first arraigned before Justice Hamza Muazu in 2021. They were re-arraigned on March 16, 2023, before Justice Fashola on a 30-count charge originally filed by the EFCC on August 5, 2021. Both defendants pleaded not guilty.

During the trial, the EFCC listed 41 witnesses but produced only one. The sole witness failed to tender any documentary evidence to substantiate the fraud allegations. Proceedings also suffered multiple adjournments due to the prosecution’s absence, and no additional evidence was presented.

The defence noted that the EFCC had detained Princess Ngozi for 14 days despite the charges being bailable.