by Adim Esoeh
Four companies implicated in a $15 million fraud case involving a former aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Waripamo Owei-Dudafa, have pleaded guilty to the charge at the Federal High Court, Lagos, presided over by Justice Babs Kuewumi.
The companies announced their representatives as follows: Friday David, for Pluto Properties and Investment Company, and Agbor Obaro for Seagate Property Development Company when the case was called yesterday.
Also, Fredrick Dioghowori announced his representation for Trans Ocean Property Ltd, while Taiwo Ebenezer represented Avalon Global properties Ltd. Others also docked alongside Dudafa are Amajuoyi Briggs, and Adedamola Bolodeoku.
Following the guilty plea of the companies, EFCC prosecution led by Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, prayed the court to allow a short time for the review of the facts, adding that he would not waste time. However, Justice Kuewumi declined the prosecution’s request, stipulating the adjournment of the case to a later date.
The court granted bail to the second and third accused, Messrs Tochukwu Onyiuke, and Joseph Okebiemen whose counsel informed the court of a bail application filed on behalf of their clients which has not been opposed, in the sum of N250 million with one surety in like sum. The sureties must be owners of landed property in Lagos and, if a public servant, must produce a letter of introduction from his employer. The sureties are also to submit evidence of tax clearance.
He adjourned the case to September 27 for continuation and ordered the accused to be remanded in prison custody pending the perfection of their bail.