Malami Terminates EFCC’s N1.8bn Fraud Suit Against Dasuki’s Ex-Aide…

Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court Abuja has discharged Nicholas Ashinze, a former aide of former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, of money laundering allegations.

The ruling of the court followed the withdrawal of the case by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami.

At the day’s proceedings, counsel for the AGF, David Kaswe, told the court that he had the approval Malami to take over the case.

He said this was in accordance with section 174(1)(a) and (c) of the 1999 constitution (as amended).

Counsel for the EFCC, Offem Uket, said although he was unaware of the change, he was not opposed to the application.

After taking over the suit, Kaswe moved a motion for the withdrawal of the criminal charge against the defendants.

Counsel for the defendants, Afam Osigwe, Patrick Agu and Anita Isato, did not oppose Kaswe’s application.

They, however, prayed the court for a consequential order acquitting their clients.

Osigwe, who represented the second, fourth, fifth, and sixth defendants, argued that considering the facts and circumstances of the case and including the number of years spent, the court should exercise its discretionary powers in acquitting the defendants.

But the AGF’s counsel, opposed the application for an order of acquittal and prayed that they be discharged.

Delivering the ruling, Justice Okon Abang, held that the prosecution had not closed their case before the application for withdrawal was made.

Consequently, Abang struck out the amended charge and discharged the defendants.