NIGERIAN FEDERAL JUDGE FACING MONEY LAUNDERING AND CORRUPTION CHARGES SEEKS DISMISSAL ON PROCEDURAL GROUNDS

Attorneys for former Justice of the Federal High Court Nigeria Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia have filed motions to dismiss the money laundering and corruption case pending against her, on several grounds. The eighteen counts filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission include Conspiracy, Money Laundering, Unlawful Enrichment, and Retention of the Proceeds of Crime.

The issues presented by defense counsel :

(1) The Court did not have jurisdiction, as the defendant had not been dismissed from her position as a judge, and there was no order published confirming that act.
(2) The dismissal without prejudice of a prior case against this defendant operated as a bar to this action.
(3) The criminal charges are not valid.

The Defendant has entered a not guilty plea. Defense motions will be heard on May 31.