Alleged Money Laundering: Usoro Re-arraigned, As Court Issues Arrest Warrant on Four Others
Embattled NBA President, Paul Usoro
President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Paul Usoro, was re-arraigned on Friday before Justice Rilwan Aikawa of the Federal High Court on account of the 10 counts preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The Judge restored his bail conditions which he is expected to perfect on or before March the 15.
He was earlier admitted to N250m bail, with one surety in like sum by Justice Muslim Hassan, following an application by his legal team led by Chief Wole Olanipekun .
Mr Usoro is on trial for allegedly laundering N1.4m belonging to the Akwa Ibom state Government, with the help of four top state government Officials (Uwemedimo Nwoko, Margaret Ukpe, Linus Nsikn and Mfot Udomah) who are still at large.
The prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo asked for a bench warrant to compel their presence in court.
The defence counsel objected, saying the individuals are not being charged but just mentioned in the charge sheet.
The judge has now ordered the arrest of the four, saying the administration of criminal justice act as argued by the prosecutor allows for the arrest of a party linked to a case to compelled his attendance in court.
The trial has been adjourned till March 18 and 19, 2019.