Alleged N270m fraud: You have case to answer, court tells Ohakim

•To open defence on October 10

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday dismissed the no- case submission filed by former Governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim standing trial over allegations of corruption and money laundering.

At the resumed trial yesterday, the trial Judge, Justice Adeniyi Ademola dismissed Ohakim’s no-case submission application and held that the prosecution, led by Festus Keyamo has established a prima-facie case against Ohakim, necessitating him to open his defence.

Ademola then adjourned till October 10 and 13, 2016 for the defence to call its witnesses.

Ohakim, was arraigned on July 8 last year by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a three-count charge of money laundering, arising from his alleged purchase of a house in Abuja, with cash payment of dollar equivalent of N270 million in November 2008.

He was alleged to have committed the crime while he was governor of Imo State.

Ohakim, according to an EFCC witness, had paid the sum in hard currency of $2.29 million to acquire a piece of land at Plot No. 1098 Cadastral Zone A04, Asokoro District, otherwise known as No.60, Kwame Nkurumah Street, Asokoro, Abuja.

He was admitted to bail by Justice Ademola on Thursday, July 9, 2015 after his arraignment on three count charge of money laundering by the EFCC.

The prosecution, in establishing its case against the Ohakim called six witnesses and when the prosecution closed its case and, instead of Ohakim to open his defence in the matter, filed a no case submission.