EFCC Arraigns Lagos Ex-Attorney General, Shasore on fresh money laundering charges

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), yesterday, arraigned a former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos, Olasupo Shasore, before a Federal High Court, Abuja, on fresh money laundering charges involving N109.8 million.

Shasore, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), was slammed with a 14-count criminal charge along with his personal company, Middlesex Investment Limited.

Among others, the former Attorney General was said to have failed to report in writing to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) a single lodgment of N60 million into his company’s account number 0005659394 with a commercial bank.

The alleged offence is said to be contrary to Section 10 of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011. He was also alleged to have failed to report to the commission a single lodgment of another N48.8 million into the same account in breach of money laundering laws.

The charge sheet further indicated that Shasore in November 2017 committed same offence by transferring $300, 000 single lodgment into his company account where he is a sole signatory.

Besides, the former Lagos Attorney General was said to have failed to establish an anti-Money Laundering Desk and designate a Compliance Officer in his company as required by law.

Shasore, however, pleaded not guilty to the offences. Following no objection to his bail request by EFCC’s lawyer, Mr. Bala Sanga, Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo ordered Shasore to continue to enjoy the terms and conditions of the administrative bail granted him by EFCC.

Justice Ekwo in the bid to ensure speedy trial of the charges fixed March 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 next year for the prosecution.

The Judge directed Chief Olawale Akoni (SAN), who stood for the defendant and Bala Sanga for the anti-graft agency to put their houses in order ahead of the trial dates.