Kogi Governorship Aspirant Docked For Money Laundering

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The immediate past Commissioner for Finance in Kogi State, Mr. Samuel Abiodun Ojo,  Tolurunjuwon Joseph Fawiyi, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and two others were this morning arraigned before Justice David Okorowa of the Federal High Court, Abuja on an allegation of money laundering and criminal misappropriation involving the sum of N1.4 billion.

They were arraigned on an 11-count charge filed by a counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Wahab Shittu.

Mr. Ojo, a leading contender for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)’s governorship ticket was alleged to have converted the sum of N160 million sometime in September 2009 while he was serving as the commissioner for agriculture in the state.

Faniyi, who is the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the state, was alleged to have converted the sum of N210 million with the intent of concealing the origin of the fund, contrary to the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2004.

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The other accused persons, Mr. Steven Ropo Asala and Mr. Obaro Victor Kayode, both local government council chairmen of Yagba West, and Yagba East Councils of Kogi State, were also alleged to have connived with Ojo and Faniyi in converting hundreds of millions of naira with the intent of concealing the origins of the said sums of money.

They all pleaded not guilty and were subsequently granted bail in the sum of N100 million and two sureties each who must be landed property owners in the Asokoro or Maitama District in Abuja.

—Nnamdi Felix/Abuja

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