By Chancel Bomadi Sunday

DELTA—The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has discharged and acquitted a former Director of Projects at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Engr. Tuoyo Omatsuli, and three others who had been standing trial over allegations of financial misappropriation, money laundering, conspiracy and fraud.

The ruling followed the conclusion of a case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The defendants in the case, marked FHC/L/238/18, included Engr. Omatsuli, Don Parker Properties Limited, Francis Momoh and Building Associates Limited.

According to the charges filed by the EFCC on behalf of the Federal Government, the defendants were accused of conspiracy and alleged involvement in financial transactions amounting to about ?3.645 billion between August 2014 and September 2015.

One of the counts alleged that the defendants conspired to conceal the origin of funds said to be proceeds of unlawful activities, contrary to provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 as amended.

Another count alleged that Engr. Omatsuli procured Francis Momoh and Building Associates Limited to utilise funds paid into an account operated by the company.

However, in his judgment, the presiding judge, Justice D. E. Osiagor, held that the prosecution failed to prove the charges against the defendants beyond reasonable doubt.

According to the court, after reviewing the evidence presented, documentary exhibits and submissions by counsel to both parties, the prosecution did not establish the essential elements required to sustain the charges.

“In the final analysis, having carefully considered the totality of the evidence adduced by the prosecution, the documentary exhibits tendered, the testimonies of witnesses and the submissions of learned counsel, I find that the prosecution has failed to prove the offences charged beyond reasonable doubt,” the judge ruled.

Justice Osiagor therefore discharged and acquitted all the defendants on the counts contained in the amended charges.