A Federal High Court in Lagos, has admitted bail to an auto dealer, Sarumi Samusideen Babafemi, alleged to be an agent to the fraud suspects named by the United State’s Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, in the sum of fifty million naira with one surety in the like sum.
Sarumi and his company were arraigned before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, alongside his three companies on a five count-charge of transferring the said sums which were obtained under false pretence, to his principals.
The defendant however pleaded not guilty to the charges
The offences according to the prosecutor, EFCC Head of Legal Department, Mr. Anzelem Ozioko, the are contrary to 15(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011(As Amended) and Punishable under section 15(3) of the Act.
In the prove-of-evidence attached with the charge, the EFCC alleged that the defendant had carried out the illicit act through, Zenith Bank Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) Plc and some other banks.
Ruling on his bail application, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke ruled that the surety must be a Civil Servant on Grade Level 15 in Federal or Lagos government employment or a landed property owner within the court’s jurisdiction.
Justice Aneke ordered EFCC to verify the genuineness of all documents filed within 48 hours.
The defendant’s trial has been fixed for January 22 and 23.
