Alleged N21b diversion: EFCC amends charges against ex-Air Chiefs

The initial 36-count charge was reduced to 13. Amosu was charged with former Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Chief of Accounts and Budgeting, Air Vice Marshal Jacob Adigun and a former Director of Finance and Budget, Air Commodore Olugbenga Gbadebo. EFCC said the three, on or about March 5, 2014 in Lagos, conspired to convert N21,467,634,707.43, property of NAF, which sum they reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful activities to wit: criminal breach of trust. The alleged offence is contrary to Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 15(3). The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge when they were first arraigned before Justice Mohammed Idris, who was elevated to the Court of Appeal after EFCC had called several witnesses in the trial. When the case came up yesterday before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, who took over from Justice Idris, prosecuting counsel Rotimi Oyedepo said he filed an amended charge. But defence counsel Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN) and Norrisson Quakers (SAN) said they would challenge the charge. The defendants were also accused of transferring N1 billion on September 2 and 4, 2014 from NAF to Rite Options Oil and Gas Ltd and Juda Oil Ltd. They were alleged to have made several other transfers amounting to N21 billion to different companies, such as Delfina Oil and Gas Ltd, Mcallan Oil And Gas Ltd, Lebol Oil and Gas Ltd, Trapezites Bureau De Change, Hebron Housing and Properties Company Ltd, Deegee Oil and Gas Ltd and Timsegg Investment Ltd. Justice Aneke adjourned until November 6 for possible arraignment.]]>