The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), yesterday, closed its case in the N1.4billion money laundering trial of the former president of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Paul Usoro (SAN).
EFCC counsel, Mr. Uduak Kufre, told Justice Rilwan Aikawa of the Federal High Court, Lagos that the prosecution was pleased with evidence it adduced so far in the case.
He prayed the court to discharge the agency’s second and last witness, Mohammed Arabo.
Responding, Effiong O. Effiong (SAN), leading three other senior advocates of Nigeria, including Shina Sofola, for Usoro, informed the court of the defendant’s intention to file a ‘no-case’ submission.
Justice Aikawa adjourned till March 12, for adoption of the no-case submission.
Usoro was arraigned for the alleged offence on December 18, 2018 before Justice Muslim Hassan of the same court. He pleaded not guilty. He was re-arraigned on March 1, 2019 on a 10-count bordering on laundering money for the Akwa-Ibom State officials to the tune of N1.4billion. He maintained his plea, insisting that the money was a professional fee paid to him and a team of other lawyers that worked for the state.
