A lawyer to Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uyiekpen Osagie-Giwa, and his son, Erhunse Giwa-Osagie, have been dragged to the Federal High Court in Lagos over corruption.
The Economic Crime and Financial Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday, October 15, rearranged the duo before the court on a three-count charge of money laundering to the tune of $2 million.
They were first arraigned before Justice Nicholas Oweibo on a 3-count charge bordering on the alleged offence on August 14. They both pleaded not guilty.
The commission said the lead counsel to the first and second defendants, Ahmed Raji and Quarkers Norrison, were represented by Johnson Samuel and Olufemi Anjorin respectively.
Mr Uduak who held brief for Rotimi Oyedepo, told the court that the plea was to be taken by the defendants and not their counsel, adding that, “absence of lead counsel should not stall proceedings given the fact that they are represented in court.”
“There was no concrete basis for the defence counsel to seek the administrative judge’s permission for consolidation of the case.
“The matter before Justice Oweibo is not in any way related to the case brought before your lordship, and does not require any form of consolidation,” Mr Uduak reporteldy told the court.
defendants then pleaded not guilty to the charge.
In view of their plea, the prosecution counsel, Mr Uduak, asked for a trial date.
Counsel to the defendants urged the court to allow their clients to continue to enjoy the bail terms and conditions granted by Justice Oweibo.
Justice Obiozor acceded to the request of the defendants.
He adjourned the case to December 5 for possible hearing as parties await the decision of the administrative judge on consolidation.