N83m Scam: Court Refuses Prisons Accountant, Esu- Nte’s Bid to Quash Charge

Justice Olukayode Adeniyi of the Federal Capital Territory, High Court sitting in Apo, Abuja, on Tuesday, February 15, 2015 dismissed the application by Imaobong Akon Esu-Nte, Head, Capital Accounts Unit, Nigerian Prisons Service, seeking to quash the 6-count charge of stealing, abuse of office and money laundering brought against her by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Esu- Nte,  who was arraigned on November 14, 2014, is alleged to have abused her office by stealing over N83 million of prisons funds with which she acquired exotic cars and property across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), though she was on a monthly salary of N121, 460 as a level 14 officer

She had pleaded not guilty to the charge and was admitted to bail. However in bid to forestall her trial, the accused person file an application before the court, questioning the competence of the charge. She argued through her counsel, Titus O. Ashaolu, SAN, that the charge against her did not disclosure a prima facie case.

The application by the Abuja-based socialite was also predicated on the grounds that the court lacks the jurisdiction to entertain the charge.

However, counsel to EFCC, Larry P Aso, faulted the process filed by the accused on the grounds that it was brought under an unknown law. He submitted that the proof of evidence placed before the court by the EFCC, provides sufficient evidence to link the accused with the alleged offences and urged the court to refuse the application.

In his ruling, Justice Adeniyi dismissed the application sought by Esu-Nte on the grounds that it lacked merit and substance.

The Judge held that, the prosecution has shown beyond reasonable doubt that, there is a clear link or nexus between the accused/applicant and the offences for which she was charged. “In the final analysis, my conclusion and decision is that the facts contained in the proof of evidence on record before this court are sufficient for the purpose of proceeding with the trial of this case. I therefore find this application as lacking in merit or in substance. It shall be and is hereby accordingly dismissed” Justice Adeniyi ruled.

The case has be adjourned to March 17, 2015 for hearing.

Wilson Uwujaren
Head, Media & Publicity