The absence of Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, who represents Delta North, Monday, stalled his trial at the Federal High Court in Lagos for alleged money laundering.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) re-arraigned him last October 5 before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke.

It followed the elevation of the previous judge handling the case, Justice Mohammed Idris, to the Court of Appeal.

EFCC re-arraigned him along with Golden Touch Construction Projects Limited and Suiming Electricals for alleged N322million fraud.

Two witnesses, Prince Kpokpogiri and Murtala Abubakar, had testified before Justice Idris before whom Nwaoboshi was arraigned last April 25.

Trial could not go on Monday as the prosecution said it was informed that the defendant would not be available.

The prosecution alleged that Nwaoboshi and Golden Touch Construction Projects purchased a 12-storey property known as Guinea House on Marine Road in Apapa, Lagos for N805million between May and June 2014.

The anti-graft agency claimed that N322million out of the N805million was part of proceeds of “an unlawful act, to wit: fraud.”

The EFCC alleged that the N322million was transferred to the property’s vendor on the order of Suiming Electricals, which was accused of aiding Nwaoboshi and Golden Touch Construction Projects to commit money laundering on or about May 14, 2014.

According to EFCC, Nwaoboshi, a former Delta State People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chairman, got a contract through Bilderberg Enterprises Ltd to supply new construction equipment to the state Direct Labour Agency at N1,580,000,000.

The company allegedly imported and supplied used construction equipment rather than brand new ones despite receiving full payment.

EFCC said Nwaoboshi, with the proceeds, bought the 12-floor building from Delta State Government at N805million in the name of Golden Touch Construction Projects.

The commission said the Senator had “no visible legitimate business venture to generate the amount spent to purchase the said property.”

The alleged offence contravenes sections 15(2)(d) and 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 and punishable under Section 15(3).

Justice Aneke adjourned until May 28 and 30 for continuation of trial.

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