Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia has been reinstated as a judge of the Federal High Court by the National Judicial Council (NJC) with immediate effect.
Her reinstatement was contained in circular to all judges of the Federal High Court dated 5th December and was signed Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, Channels TV’s reported.
He wrote, “Your Lordships are by this Circular letter notified that at the Meeting of the National Judicial Council held on the 1st of December, 2022, the Council reinstated the Hon. Justice R. N. Ofili-Ajumogobia as a Judicial Officer.”
“The reinstatement takes instant effect and there shall be consequential posting.”
The Chief Registrar of the court as well as the director of library and deputy director of finance and accounts were all copied in the memo.
Recall that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), had in November 2016 arraigned Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia before the courts on allegations of money laundering and breach of public trust.
She was rearraigned Mohammed Liman on an amended 15 counts dated March 2nd, 2021.
In the first count, the EFCC claims that “Honourable Justice Rita Ngozi Ofili Ajumogobia on or about the 11th day of July 2014 in Lagos…, indirectly concealed the total sum of N12m in the diamond account of Nigel & Colive Limited, a sum she reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of an unlawful act…and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2a) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011 as amended and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same act.
Justice Ajumogobia pleaded not guilty to all 15 counts
Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia was also alleged to have on different dates in 2014, retained sums of monies like N5million, 150,000 dollars, 20,000 dollars, 30,000 dollars, 50,000 dollars, and 55,000 dollars in the Diamond bank account of Nigel and Colive.
The EFCC also accused Ajumogobia of indirectly concealing the sum of N12million in the same account, and making a false statement to the EFCC that the money was payment for the sale of landed property.
The courts have however quashed and dismissed all the charges against her.
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.
