Tony John, Port Harcourt

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has arraigned the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Mr. Kenneth Kobani and a politician in the state, Mr. Samuel Okpoko, before Justice B. Bilikisu of the Federal High Court, sitting in Port Harcourt,  on a six- count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of N750 million.

The defendants were docked for allegedly collecting the sum of N750 million from the Garrison branch of Fidelity Bank Plc, Port Harcourt, on the eve of the 2015 general elections.

The commission said the money was part of the infamous $115 million Diezani Alison- Madueke’s scam involving several politicians and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Kobani allegedly collected N50 million out of the amount and Okposo allegedly collected the remaining N700 million.

Count one of the charge read: ” That you Samuel Johnson Okposo on or about the 27th day of March, 2015, in Port Harcourt, within the jurisdiction of this court, did conspire and aid other persons yet to be charged, to acquire and take possession and control of the sum of  N700 million from Fidelity Bank location Garrison, Port Harcourt, reasonably knowing and or ought to have known that such fund or property forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a) and punishable under section 15( 3) of the Money Laundering ( Prohibition) Act 2011 as amended.

Count two of the charge read: “That you Kenneth Kobani  on or about the 27th day of March, 2015, in Port Harcourt, within the jurisdiction of this court, did conspire and aid other persons yet to be charged, to acquire and take possession and control of the sum of  N50 million from Fidelity Bank location Garrison, Port Harcourt, reasonably knowing and or ought to have known that such fund or property forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a) and punishable under section 15( 3) of the Money Laundering ( Prohibition) Act 2011 as amended.

When the charges were read to them, they pleaded not guilty to them.

Prosecution counsel, C.A. Okoli told the court that he was ready for trial and prayed that the defendants be reminded in prison custody.  However, the lead defence counsel, C.A. Okala, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN),   sued for the bail of the defendants.

Justice Bilikisu admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N50 million and a surety each in like sum.  She adjourned the matter to 4-8 June 4 to 8, for trial.