By Ankeli Emmanuel (In Sokoto State)
Justice Ahmad Mahmud of the Federal High Court sitting in Sokoto State, on Thursday, convicted and sentenced one Aminu Sahabi for five years and also convicted Nasiru Mohammed with an option of fine.
The duo were dragged before Justice Ahmad by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) on one count charge each for contravening the provisions of Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011.
Those convicted were arraigned alongside other persons for failing to submit declarations of activities in line with extant regulations on customer identification and rendition of returns on transactions to the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering, SCUML.
Delivering his judgment on Thursday, Justice Ahmad Mahmud, convicted and sentenced Aminu Sahabi to five years imprisonment with an option of fine of one hundred and twenty five thousand (N125, 000) after pleading guilty to the charge.
The Judge also convicted and fined Nasiru Mohammed to the sum of one hundred and twenty five thousand naira only.
He however discharged and acquitted one Sanusi Bello on the ground that the EFCC prosecution counsel failed to prove his case beyond reasonable doubt against Sanusi.
Reacting to the judgement, Counsel to the EFCC, Barrister Habila Jonathan, expressed satisfaction with the judgment, saying it will serve as a deterrent to other would-be offenders.
Barrister Habila further appreciated the dexterity of the EFCC in it's efforts towards curbing financial crimes in Nigeria. NNL.
