HEDA Urges Fresh Action in N10.27bn Money-Laundering Case
HEDA made the demand following Justice Omotosho’s withdrawal from the case on September 24, 2026, amid concerns surrounding alleged tampering with an exhibit already admitted in evidence.
The case, which began in 2022, followed allegations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission that N10.27 billion was misappropriated from the Kogi State Government treasury. The defendants have denied the allegations.
The prosecution called 17 witnesses and closed its case on June 2, 2026, after which the defendants filed no-case submissions. HEDA therefore argued that restarting the trial could cause further delay and potentially undermine substantial progress already made in the matter.
The controversy centres partly on Exhibit N, a mobile phone containing WhatsApp conversations. Justice Omotosho had ordered investigations by the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services after concerns arose that messages on the device had allegedly been deleted.
According to HEDA, the judge subsequently expressed concern that the unresolved controversy surrounding the exhibit could affect his consideration of the no-case submissions and create an appearance of bias.
The organisation has called for the outcome of the investigation into the alleged evidence tampering to be formally made available to the court. It also urged the authorities to prosecute any person found culpable, including a registrar allegedly indicted by the judge.
HEDA stressed that its position does not amount to a determination of the guilt or innocence of any of the defendants, saying those issues remain matters for judicial determination based on the evidence before the court.
The organisation urged the Federal High Court to preserve the progress already made and allow the case to proceed from the stage it had reached, subject to applicable law and due process, rather than starting the trial afresh without compelling legal necessity.
No comments