N8bn CBN currency scam: Absence of prosecution stalls plea bargain hearing

Justice Nathaniel Ayo-Emmanuel of the Federal High Court, Ibadan on Wednesday adjourned hearing of a plea bargain in the alleged N8 billion CBN Ibadan branch currency scam case until Dec. 6.

Ayo-Emmanuel adjourned hearing in the case due to the absence of the prosecution, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in court, without notice.

The EFCC had listed Tope Akintade as the fourth defendant in the alleged N8 billion CBN Ibadan branch currency scam suit in June 2016.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Akintade, the fourth defendant was reported to be suffering from High Blood Pressure, as well as prostate currency ancer.

Akintade had through his counsel, Femi Edema, entered into a plea bargain arrangement with the EFCC, but could not complete all the processes.

“We are frustrated and disappointed by the absence of the prosecution without any notice; all the processes involved in the arrangement have now been completed and certified by the EFCC Head Office in Abuja,” Edema said.

NAN reports that Kolawole Babalola, Adeola Olaniran, Philip Togun and Akintade, along with others, are standing trial for multiple charges bordering on conspiracy, forgery, stealing and recirculation of mutilated N8billion notes.