EFCC re-arraigns Saraki’s aide, Makanjuola, others

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday re-arraigned Gbenga Makanjuola, a Deputy Chief of Staff to the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and others before Justice Maureen Onyetenu of the Federal High Court, Lagos.

They were re-arraigned on an amended 11-count charge bordering on alleged conspiracy, accepting cash payment beyond threshold and money laundering to the tune of N3.5 billion. Makanjuola was charged alongside Kolawole Shittu, cashier to the Senate and Robert Chidozie Mbonu, a former Managing Director, Societe Generale Bank of Nigeria (SGBN), who is said to be at large.

Others are Melrose General Services Limited and Obiora Amobi, Operations Manager, Melrose General Services Limited.Their re-arraignment followed the transfer of the former trial judge, Justice Babs Kuewumi, out of Lagos.

In view of their pleas, the prosecution counsel, Bashir Kamil, asked the court for a trial date.However, counsel to the second and fourth defendants, Okwudili Anozie, holding brief for Paul Erokoro (SAN), said the court should allow the defendants to continue on the bail earlier granted by Justice Kuewumi.

Also, counsel to the third defendant, Omeoga Chukwu, urged the court to allow his client to continue on the existing bail. Consequently, Justice Maureen Onyetenu granted the defendant’s application to continue on the existing bail earlier granted and adjourned to May 20, 21 and 22, 2019 for trial.