Court Acquits Businesswoman Oshodins in Money Laundering Case Linked to Ex-NSA Dasuki
The Federal High Court in Abuja has discharged and acquitted a businesswoman, Mrs. Isabella Mimie Oshodin, and Bob Oshodin Organisation Ltd of all money laundering charges linked to former National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (retd), citing failure of the prosecution to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Justice James Kolawole Omotosho, delivering judgment, held that the prosecution failed to establish the essential elements of the offences, including proof that the funds in question were proceeds of unlawful activities.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned the defendants on a 25-count charge bordering on conspiracy and money laundering involving an alleged N22.9 billion.
The charges included claims of transferring illicit funds and using part of the money to acquire properties in the United States.
During the trial, officials from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) testified that payment instructions were often executed based on directives from Col. Dasuki, sometimes without detailed documentation.
Under cross-examination, prosecution witnesses admitted gaps in the investigation, including the absence of a comprehensive forensic audit and limited access to ONSA records.
The court also noted that the failure to call Dasuki as a witness significantly weakened the prosecution’s case.
Justice Omotosho ruled that key statements attributed to Mrs. Oshodin were inadmissible as they were neither electronically recorded nor obtained in the presence of her legal counsel, contrary to the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
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He further observed that the prosecution did not provide concrete evidence showing that the funds were transferred to foreign accounts or used to acquire the alleged properties.
In her defence, Mrs. Oshodin maintained that the funds received were for legitimate business transactions, including the sale of the family’s furniture manufacturing company and youth training programmes in the Niger Delta and South-South regions.
She also told the court that she refunded N180 million to the government following EFCC inquiries and clarified that her company’s dealings were with the Presidential Amnesty Programme, not directly with the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Counsel to the defendants, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, argued that the prosecution failed to prove that the funds were illicit or that the defendants had any criminal intent, while also highlighting the absence of key witnesses.
The prosecution, led by H.M. Mohammed, had insisted that the defendants were linked to Dasuki and received substantial funds during his tenure, alleging that the money was laundered into foreign accounts.
However, Justice Omotosho emphasised that criminal liability must be established beyond reasonable doubt, stressing that suspicion or speculation cannot substitute for evidence.
Citing established legal authorities, the judge reiterated that the burden of proof lies on the prosecution and any doubt must be resolved in favour of the defendant.
“The prosecution has failed to prove the offences beyond reasonable doubt. Consequently, all defendants are hereby discharged and acquitted of all counts,” he ruled.
The case formed part of broader investigations into financial transactions linked to the tenure of the former National Security Adviser.
By PRNigeria
