24th February, 2015
Akin Kuponiyi
A Federal High Court in Lagos, has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release the international travelling passport of Femi Fani-Kayode, a former Aviation Minister.
Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia gave the order while delivering a ruling in an application filed by the former minister, who is standing trial before the court on alleged money laundering offences.
The judge ordered the anti-graft agency to release the passport to Mr. Bello Okandeji, the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar, within seven days. While also ordering that the passport should be released to Fani-Kayode, who should write a letter to the Attorney-General of the Federation, (AGF), stating where and when he wants to use the passport and the purpose of the journey.
The judge further ordered that the letter must be written within thirty one (31) working days.
The former minister’s passport was ordered to be in possession of the EFCC as parts of his bail conditions granted him when he was first arraigned before the court.
Prior to the judge’s order that Fani-Kayode’s passport be released, the defence had opened its case by calling a witness, Mr. Kola Olapoju, who told the court how he came in contact with the minister.
Olapoju told the court that all the money he paid into the account of the accused were the proceed from the rent he collected on his behalf.
The matter has been adjourned till tomorrow for continuation of trial.
Fani-Kayode, is standing trial before Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia on two count charge having been acquitted on 38 other counts.
The judge on November 17, 2014, partially upheld a no-case-submission filed by the former minister, discharging and acquitting him of 38 out of 40 counts of money laundering charges.
Ajumogobia is the third judge to sit on the case in the last five years.