The Federal High Court in Abuja has discharged and acquitted former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Winifred Oyo-Ita, of alleged ₦570 million money laundering charges brought against her by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Delivering judgment on Tuesday, Justice James Omotosho upheld no-case submissions filed by Oyo-Ita and eight co-defendants, ruling that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case after about six years of trial.
The judge held that the EFCC’s case lacked sufficient evidential weight, describing it as being built on “speculations, suspicions and shoddy investigation.”
He further stated that the prosecution did not establish the predicate offences required to sustain money laundering charges, noting that essential elements of the case were missing.
According to the court, the funds allegedly linked to Oyo-Ita were not proven to be proceeds of unlawful activity, adding that documents before the court showed that contracts in question were duly approved and executed.
Justice Omotosho also ruled that allowances such as estacodes, duty tour allowances, and air tickets said to have been received by Oyo-Ita were properly approved, with no evidence that they were collected without official travel.
The court faulted the prosecution for failing to present key documentary evidence such as travel approvals, audit queries, or official memos, stating that it was being asked to rely on speculation.
It also held that Oyo-Ita had no ownership or directorial interest in the companies mentioned in the allegations and that the prosecution failed to link the funds to any illegality.
In addition, the judge rejected confessional statements tendered by the prosecution, ruling that they were not obtained in compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act due to the absence of required video recordings.
Oyo-Ita, who was removed from office in 2019, was arraigned in March 2020 alongside others on 18 counts relating to alleged fraud involving duty tour allowances, estacodes, and contract kickbacks.
The EFCC had presented eight witnesses and several documents during the trial.
With the ruling, the court discharged and acquitted all defendants.
