HEDA OPPOSES FRESH TRIAL IN N10.27BN MONEY LAUNDERING CASE

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda has opposed plans for a fresh trial in the N10.27bn money laundering case involving Ali Bello, Dauda Sulaiman and Abdulsalami Hudu.

HEDA has asked the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, to return the case to Justice James Omotosho for continuation and conclusion.

The organisation said the matter should not be restarted before another judge after the case had already progressed under Justice Omotosho.

The suit, involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the defendants, concerns allegations of money laundering involving funds valued at N10.27bn.

HEDA said allowing the matter to begin again could result in further delays in the judicial process and undermine efforts to conclude high-profile corruption cases.

The organisation urged the Chief Judge to consider the interests of justice and ensure that the case proceeds without unnecessary interruption.

The group’s position comes as the court considers the handling of the case following changes surrounding the judge previously assigned to it.

The allegations against the defendants remain subject to determination by the court, and they are presumed innocent unless found guilty.