EFCC calls for arrest of ex-NDDC boss over alleged money laundering

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) former executive director on projects Tuoyo Omatsuli has been asked to appear in court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged N3.6 billion fraud. The EFCC has requested that Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court, located in Ikoyi, Lagos, issue an arrest warrant for Omatsuli.

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Dele Oyewale, the EFCC spokesperson, said this in a press release on Thursday.

In the statement, it was recalled that Omatsuli, Francis Momoh, Don Parker Properties Limited, and Building Associates Limited were first put on trial before retired Justice Saliu Saidu of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on charges of conspiracy and money laundering totaling N3,645,000,000 (Three Billion, Six Hundred and Forty-five Million Naira).

On November 11, 2020, retired Justice Saidu was further called back and dismissed the first defendant, Omatsuli, after he had reviewed the accusations brought against him and the testimony of all 16 prosecution witnesses from the EFCC.

The ruling of the lower court that “the judgement of the lower court dated November 11, 2020 discharging the respondent, Omatsuli, of money laundering charges “is hereby set aside and he shall enter into his defence accordingly on the same counts” was overturned by Justice Festus Obande Ogbuinya, who heard an appeal from the EFCC.

After Justice Saidu retired during the trial, Justice Osiagor was given new responsibility for the case.

On the other hand, Judge Osiagor granted a notice order to the accused and postponed the case until March 22, 2024, when it will be re-arraigned and tried.