Breaking: Ex-Federal Civil Service Chief Oyo-Ita Walks Free After Long Corruption Case

The ruling, delivered by Justice James Omotosho, came six years after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission filed an 18-count charge against Oyo-Ita and eight other defendants over alleged fraud, kickbacks, Duty Tour Allowances, estacodes, and conference-related payments.

In his judgment on separate no-case submissions filed by the defendants, the judge held that the applications had merit, adding that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case requiring them to enter a defence.

Justice Omotosho strongly criticised the EFCC’s investigation, describing the case as being built on “speculation, suspicion, and poor investigative work,” adding that it lacked evidential weight.

He ruled that key elements of money laundering were not proven, especially the requirement to first establish a predicate offence showing that the funds were derived from unlawful activity.

According to the court, the prosecution failed to demonstrate that the money in question was proceeds of crime, noting that there was no evidence showing illegality in the transactions involving the Federal Ministry of Power.

The judge further held that Oyo-Ita was neither a director nor shareholder in the companies linked to the allegations, and therefore could not be treated as the owner of their accounts.

He also noted that EFCC witnesses admitted during cross-examination that she held no ownership role in the companies involved.

On allegations relating to estacodes and Duty Tour Allowances, the court found no evidence that the former civil servant received payments for trips she did not undertake, describing the claims as unproven and speculative.

Justice Omotosho also faulted the absence of official records, travel approvals, or audit queries that would support the prosecution’s claims.

He ruled that the EFCC failed to provide credible documentary evidence linking the accused persons to any unlawful conduct, adding that criminal trials must be based on proof and not conjecture.

The court also rejected alleged confessional statements tendered by the prosecution, holding that they were not obtained in compliance with legal procedures under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

With the ruling, all nine defendants were discharged and acquitted, bringing the six-year trial to an end.

The case originated from an EFCC charge filed in 2020, accusing Oyo-Ita and others of laundering funds and receiving alleged kickbacks totalling ₦570 million during her time in public service.

All defendants had pleaded not guilty, and the court ultimately held that the prosecution failed to discharge the burden of proof required in a criminal trial.