President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Paul Usoro (SAN) and the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel have been alleged to be involved in a N1.4 billion fraud.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which charged the case at the Federal High Court in Lagos, said that the Akwa Ibo Governor cannot face the charge along with the NBA President now because of the constitutional immunity which the governor enjoys against criminal prosecution.
The anti-graft agency, in a charge marked FHC/418c/18, alleged that Usoro, from Akwa Ibom State, converted and laundered the money in connivance with Governor Udom Emmanuel.
The charge sheet, signed by EFCC Counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, mentioned four other defendants, including Nsikan Nkan, described as Commissioner for Finance, Akwa Ibom State; Mfon Udomah, described as the Accountant-General of Akwa Ibom State; Uwemedimo Nwoko, described as the Akwa Ibom State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice; and Margaret Ukpe, all of whom are said to be at large.
The commission alleged that Usoro, in connivance with the others mentioned suspects, conspired to commit the offence sometime in 2015 within the jurisdiction of the court.
The anti-graft agency claimed that the N1.4 billion belonged to the Akwa Ibom State Government.
According to Oyedepo, the offences are contrary to Section 18 (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.
Justice Muslim Hassan fixed December 10, 2018 for the EFCC to arraign Usoro.
