The Supreme Court, Friday, nullified the conviction of Senator Peter Nwaoboshi who represents Delta North, and his sentencing to seven years imprisonment for offences of fraud and money laundering.
The apex court also ordered his immediate release from Ikoyi Prison in Lagos, where he is currently being held.
The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) had accused Nwaoboshi and his companies of illegally acquiring a property named Guinea House on Marine Road, in Apapa, Lagos, for N805 million, the property said to belong to the Delta State Govt.
Delivering Judgement, the Court also freed the two companies-Golden Touch Construction Project Ltd and Suiming Electrical Ltd – tried with him on a two-count charge brought against them by the Prosecution agency.
In a split judgement of four-to-one, the Supreme Court set aside the July 1, 2022 judgment of the Court of Appeal, Lagos, which had reversed their discharge and acquittal by a Federal High Court in Lagos.
In a lead judgment by Justice Emmanuel Agim, the apex court held that Nwaobishi and the two companies were unjustly and maliciously prosecuted by the EFCC for committing no offences known to law, and subjected them to criminal trial in relation civil transaction, needlessly.
They had claimed that part of the money paid for the property was transferred by Suiming Electrical Ltd on behalf of Nwaoboshi and Golden Touch Construction Project Ltd, adding the funds are believed to be proceeds of their illicit activities.
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