Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed an appeal against the judgment of a Federal High Court in Lagos which discharged and acquitted a former director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and others over an alleged N3.6 billion fraud.
Gatekeepers News reports that the trial court had earlier ruled in favour of the defendants, holding that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against them. Following the ruling, the accused persons were cleared of all charges relating to the alleged diversion of public funds.
However, the EFCC has expressed dissatisfaction with the verdict, insisting that the court erred in its evaluation of the evidence presented during the trial. The anti-graft agency is now seeking to overturn the acquittal at the appellate court, arguing that there were sufficient grounds for the defendants to enter a defence.
The case is linked to allegations that the ex-NDDC official and others fraudulently obtained about N3.6 billion through contracts and financial transactions tied to the commission. EFCC had maintained that the funds were diverted through multiple channels in violation of procurement and financial regulations.
The appeal marks the latest move by the commission to sustain its prosecution of high-profile corruption cases, especially those involving alleged mismanagement of funds in government agencies like the NDDC.
Outcome of the appeal could determine whether the case will be reopened for further trial or finally laid to rest, depending on the decision of the appellate court.
