Court rejects ‘corrupt’ INEC official’s plea bargain, says punishment too mild

A Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday held that a plea bargain agreement between the EFCC and an INEC official charged with money laundering, cannot avail the accused.

Justice Mohammed Idris held that by the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, such an accused deserves a heavier sentence.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had charged a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke, and three officials of INEC for money laundering.

Mrs. Alison-Madueke was however, described in the charge as “still at large.”

The officials are: Christian Nwosu, Yisa Olarenwaju and Tijani Bashir.

When the three officials were arraigned, Mr. Nwosu, pleaded guilty to the charges, while Messrs. Olanrewaju and Bashir pleaded not guilty.

The commission had informed the court of a plea bargain agreement between the EFCC and Mr. Nwosu.


The court had adjourned the case for sentencing of the accused until April 27.