Ex-Aviation Minister, Fani-Kayode Re-Arraigned

Akin Kuponiyi

There is no respite yet for former Aviation Minister, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode as he was Thursday re-arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos, southwest Nigeria, on a forty-count amended criminal charge of transacting financial business without going through any financial institution.

In the suit filed before the court by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, prosecutor Mr. Festus Keyamo, it was alleged that Fani-Kayode whilst serving as minister of Aviation and minister of Culture and Tourism between  July 2006 and May 2007, made some financial transactions exceeding N500,000,000 which were not made through any financial institution by accepting cash payments of about N100,125,000 which were further carried in cash to First Inland Bank Plc. Apapa branch.

The cash was allegedly channelled through  Mark Saviour Ndifreke, Fani-Kayode’s close associate now at large, Florence Salau, Ojo Agbor, Supo Agbaje, Daniel Atogo, and the ex-ministers wife, Regina Fani-Kayode.

Some of the money was also alleged to have been paid into the account of his daughter, Remilekun Fani-Kayode, at the same branch of First Inland Bank.

He pleaded not guilty to all the charge. Consequently, his counsel, Mr, Wale Akoni, SAN, urged the court to allow him continue on his former bail.

EFCC’s counsel Keyamo did not raise any objection.

Justice Rita Ofili Ajumogobia, while acceeding to the request of Akoni, said Fani-Kayode, being a chieftancy title holder and a senior member of the bar coupled with the fact that he has been coming to court regularly, should continue on his former bail

Thereafter, Keyamo asked for  two days for trial to commence but Akoni said he expected that trial would begin immediately.

Keyamo said all his witnesses were not in court.

The case was later adjourned till next Monday,10 March, 2014 and three other days for trial to commence.