N2.1bn Money Laundering Charges: Dokpesi Discharged
Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi, the Founder of DAAR Communications Plc , owners of Raypower (Radio Stations) and African Independent Television (AIT) has been cleared of money laundering charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The “No-Case” submission by Dokpesi was upheld by the Appeal Court. Justice Elfreda Williams-Dawodu leading two other judges in determining the matter held that the ani-graft commission failed woefully to establish a prima-facie case against him. The court agreed with the defendant’s counsel that as a predicate case, the ingredients of the offences ought to have been provided, which the EFCC failed to do.
Also the appellate court held that the prosecution failed to prove that the N2.1bn which Dokpesi allegedly received was a proceed of breach of trust
It was further held by the court that there was nothing in the evidence of the 14 prosecution witnesses to persuade the court to compel the appellant to enter a defence in the charges where ingredients of the offences were not provided.
“No case was made against the appellant in counts 1, 2, 3 and 4 to warrant his being called upon to open his defence.
“There is no possibility that the appellant can be convicted because the evidence is manifestly unreliable.
“In totality, this appeal has merit, it is allowed and the ruling of the Federal High Court is hereby set aside and the appellant is discharged.
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