Akinjide explores plea bargain option with EFCC over N650m alleged fraud

Former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Jumoke Akinjide, is set to negotiate with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged fraud of N650 million.
 
Her counsel, Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), told a Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday that they were prepared to explore the option for the refund of the cash.
 
The EFCC had on January 16, 2018 arraigned Akinjide and two others for allegedly receiving N650 million from former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke in the build-up to the 2015 general elections.
 
The anti-graft agency claimed that the funds were proceeds of unlawful activities, adding that Akinjide and others handled the N650 million cash without going through any financial institution, contrary to the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.
 
Those charged along with Akinjide were Ayo Adeseun and Olanrewaju Otiti. They have, however, pleaded not guilty to the 24-count charge filed against them.
 
The court had fixed February 6, 2018 for commencement of trial.
 
But yesterday, Ayorinde told the trial judge, Muslim Hassan, that his client intended to explore an amicable settlement of the case with the EFCC.