Again, FG re-arraigns Justice Ngwuta on amended charges

The federal government on Tuesday amended the 12-count charges against Justice Sylvester Ngwuta, one of the Supreme Court justices that was arrested last year and added one more charge bordering on false information.

Justice Ngwuta was first arraigned on a 16 count charge bordering on money laundering and other financial matters on March 16, 2017 .

The prosecution later amended the charge and reduced it to 12 count. But at resumption of trial on Tuesday the prosecution counsel Mrs Olusegun Fatunde made an oral application for further amendment of the charges against the defendent. She said the amendment which accused the defendant of giving information to immigration officials was in line with section 216 of Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

When the charges was read Justice Ngwuta he pleaded not guilty to the 13 count charges.

Meanwhile, led in evidence by the prosecution, the fourth prosecution witness, Tanimola Alao, a senior security and intelligent officer with the Department State Service (DSS), said he met the defendant on October 9, 2016.

Alao said he was directed by his superior to witness the defendant’s statement where he was given a cautionary word before he wrote it.

He further told the court that he signed and endorsed the defendant’s statement form which was counter signed by his chief investigator.

When asked under cross examination by the defence counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), whether he knew the origin of the money read to the defendant in the amended charges, he answered in the negative.

Another wintess, John Otazi, a staff of DSS and a fifth prosecution witness narrated the sequence of the event that took place in Supreme Court quarters where his team searched on the directive of his boss.

Otazi told the court they were hindered by policemen and security gaurds at the supreme quarters and was refused entry even after proper introduction.

The witness further stated that after they gained entry, they met the defendant at his door where he beckon on them and led them to his bedroom after telling him of their intention.

When led to the defendant bedroom, the witness said they found a large sum of foreign currencies in a bag inside one of the defendant’s wardrobe.

Otazi also said the defendant led his team to his study room where they discovered some bank statements, building plans, documents relating to the defendant’s salary and some vehicles papers.

The witness said at the end of the search, the items recovered were recorded at the back of the search warrant and was given to the defendant who read and signed.

Justice John Tsoho, admitted the defendant’s statement and search warrant in evidence after the prosecution sought to tender them.

The matter has been adjourned to May 17 for cross examination and continuation of hearing.