The Economic and Financial Commission, (EFCC) has re-arraigned Abdullahi Babalele, a son-in-law of the former Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, in the 2019 general elections, Atiku Abubakar. Babalele was re-arraigned before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke on a 2 count charge bordering on allegations of money laundering.
According to the charge signed on behalf of the EFCC by its prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo, Mr Babalele committed the offence in February 2019. When the charges were read to him, Babalele pleaded not guilty. Then his lawyer, Mike Ozekhome (SAN) argued his application seeking the permission of the court for the release of his international passport to enable him to travel abroad for medical treatment.
The EFCC prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo, raised objections to the request insisting that there was no materials placed before the court to warrant the application being granted. Mr Oyedepo also insisted that there is no evidence that the defendant cannot be treated in the country. He asked the court to dismiss the application and instead order for an accelerated trial.
Justice Aneke has fixed Oct 11 for his ruling.
